LHU: Men’s Soccer Ties in Conference Thriller Versus West Chester

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Lock Haven men’s soccer team (5-5-3, 3-2-3 PSAC East) hosted West Chester University (7-2-2, 4-1-2 PSAC East) in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division action which saw the Bald Eagles tie West Chester, 2-2, with the final goal from the Golden Rams coming with just 29 seconds left.

Pregame, the two teams had placed themselves in the playoff picture with West Chester in second place at 13 points and Lock Haven in fourth place at 11. 

After the first half, both teams remained deadlocked as both squads finished the half tied in shots, shots on goal, and saves, but the Bald Eagles created chances, earning four corners in the first forty-five.

Colton Swanson (Bradford, Pa./Bradford) opened the scoring on a breakaway pass from 

Connor Swope (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York) and beat the goalkeeper in the 59th minute to take a 1-0 lead. 

The last five minutes saw highlight after highlight to end the contest. Aitor Ruiz de Eguilaz (Euskadi, Spain/Koldo Mitxelena (Robert Morris)) made a monumental save in the 86th minute to help defend the net and keep the shutout going. 

Lock Haven grabbed their second goal of the afternoon on an own goal off a Samuel Hershey (Lancaster, Pa./McCaskey) deflected a cross to give the home team a 2-0 lead. 

WCU responded within thew minute to cut the lead to 2-1, and the Golden Rams sent home the tying goal with just 29 seconds left in the match.

In an exciting way to end the conference thriller, the match saw three goals created in just the last four minutes of action.

Up Next:

Lock Haven will head on the road for conference action as they travel to East Stroudsburg on Wednesday, October 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.