LHU men’s soccer drops home-opener to #12 Gannon

LOCK HAVEN, PA – After the start of the match was delayed over two full hours because of weather, the Lock Haven University men’s soccer team (0-1-1) fell to No. 12 Gannon University (2-0), 4-1, on the turf at Hubert Jack Stadium on Wednesday. The contest served as Lock Haven’s 2021 home-opener.

Despite the two teams enduring the lengthy weather delay, both teams quickly went to work and combined for four first-half goals. The nationally-ranked visitors led 3-1 at halftime and Gannon added one goal in the second half.

Andrea DiSomma (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) netted Lock Haven’s lone goal.

Both Dean Lewis (Belfast, Northern Ireland/Model Boys School) and Connor Swope (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York) played well in their home debuts, while Chase Tackett (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) also turned in a notable workmanlike effort.

Beckham Sibiski (Kutztown, Pa./Kutztown H.S.) picked up the assist on LHU’s tally.

Gannon took the lead just 7:03 into the match, but the Bald Eagles tied it 1-1 in the 27th minute.

DiSomma ran onto a long ball played in by Sibiski and cut past the last defender and finished into an open net after expertly rounding the Gannon goalkeeper.

Less than a minute after Lock Haven tied the match, the visitors took a 2-1 lead (28th minute) and Furkan Yildirim made it 3-1 in the 43rd minute.

Gannon capped the game’s scoring in the 59th minute.

Of note, the 2021 home-opener was scheduled for 4 p.m., but storms and lightning in the area delayed the match to a 6:15 p.m. start.

LHU opened the 2021 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw on the road at California (Pa.) University over the weekend (Saturday, Sept. 4).

Wednesday marked the first of two straight home games for Lock Haven. The Bald Eagles will host Goldey-Beacom College Saturday at 7 p.m.