Men's Soccer Settles For Draw With Penn College

marc rodgers dribbles a ball past a defender during a game against penn college in 2023

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's soccer team got off to a slow start before making a late push in the second half and ultimately earning a 2-2 draw with United East foe Penn College on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 30. 

 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Penn State Harrisburg's furious second-half comeback effort was thwarted when Penn College netted the equalizer with less than five minutes to play in Saturday's draw between the two conference opponents. 

 

After a scoreless first half, the Wildcats (5-3-2, 1-0-1 United East) struck first early in the second when Tad Shellenberger netted the game's first goal off an assist from Spencer Price in the 51st minute. 

 

After a frustrating 75 minutes, the Lions (4-3-4, 1-0-1 United East) finally broke through when Dillon Gough punched home a marker in the 77th minute to even things up with 12:32 left to play. Penn State Harrisburg rode that momentum to another score when Marc Rodgers converted the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute. 

 

With the home team seemingly in control, Penn College took advantage of a loose ball deep in Penn State Harrisburg's half and Logan Stapleton got off a shot in between three defenders that found the back of the net to tie things up for good with 4:30 remaining.  

 

NOTABLES

- Gough's marker was the first goal of his collegiate career.

- Thanks to his tally, Rodgers now leads the Lions in both goals (4) and total points (9). 

- Penn State Harrisburg outshot Penn College 9-to-6 overall and 6-to-4 in shots on goal.

- The Lions racked up seven corner kicks. The Wildcats managed three.

- The draw was the second straight between the two programs. 

 

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions face another massive test when they host No. 1 Messiah for a marquee non-conference matchup on Tuesday night. 

 

STAY CONNECTED

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.