LHU men’s soccer wins thriller in overtime, downs #22 Bloomsburg

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Lock Haven University men’s soccer team (4-1-1, 2-0 PSAC East) knocked off No. 22 Bloomsburg University (6-2, 2-2 PSAC East), 2-1, in a frenzied overtime Saturday win in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division action.

After a scoreless first half, the second period got off to a quick start as the Huskies headed home a corner kick in the 49th minute to take a 1-0 lead. The Bald Eagles did their best to claw back in the game, notably Andrea DiSomma (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Twp.) who was unfairly denied by the post on three separate occasions.

Just when it appeared all was lost for LHU, The Haven earned a free kick just past midfield with 24 seconds to play. Following the Huskies frenetic clearance attempt, Chase Tackett (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) flicked the ball into the path of Zane Puhala (Brockway, Pa./Brockway), who powered his way through a Bloomsburg tackle attempt and slipped the equalizing goal past the helpless goalkeeper to the delight of The Haven faithful with just 10 seconds on the clock.

Riding the momentum of the late goal in regulation, the Bald Eagles struck early in overtime as Colton Swanson (Bradford, Pa./Bradford) received a cross-field pass from Puhala, cut inside on his right foot and fired a shot from distance that blew past the keeper and handed the Bald Eagles a pivotal 2-1 victory.

Goalkeeper Aitor Ruiz de Eguilaz (Euskadi, Spain/Koldo Mitxelena (Robert Morris)) made four crucial saves to keep the Bald Eagles alive.

With the win The Haven extended its winning streak to four games. The win also marked LHU’s second win over a ranked opponent this season, which is the most since 2017 when the Bald Eagles knocked off ranked opponents in back-to-back games.

The Bald Eagles travel to Pitt-Johnstown on Tuesday for a PSAC East-West crossover matchup. That game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. kickoff.