MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - The NCAA Division III men's soccer season concluded a few weeks ago as local dynasty Messiah College won the national championship for the 8th time in 11 years. As first year members of the NCAA, the Penn State Harrisburg men's soccer team (12-4-2, 6-2-1 NEAC) finished the 2010 season just a penalty kick shy of qualifying for the tournament, a shortcoming that should not overshadow the impressive accomplishments of the Nittany Lions.
Penn State Harrisburg finished the season ranked 2nd in the NCAA for scoring offense. The Lions surpassed national champion Messiah College who finished the season ranked 8th.
This season also marked the first time that the Nittany Lions advanced to the NEAC championship since joining the conference. They made their presence known among NEAC opponents as they finished at the top of many statistical categories including goals, goals per game and assists.
Senior Danny Francis (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) ranked high in several NCAA statistical categories as well. Francis ranked 5th in points per game (2.11) and 5th in goals per game (0.89). Scoring 16 goals in the 2010 season gave him the 10th most in the NCAA.