Highlanders Lose to Lancers in Region Semifinal
MARION, Ind. – Houghton men's soccer fell to the Lancers of Grace College, 2-1, in the semifinals of the NCCAA Midwest Regionals on Friday in Marion, Ind. The Highlanders fought hard all afternoon but couldn't find the back of the Lancer's net until it was too late.
The loss takes the Highlanders record to 11-5-4 on the year while the Lancers improve to 9-7-3 on the season. With the win the Lancers also move on the NCCAA Midwest Region Championship on Saturday.
Houghton's high ranking in the NCCAA national polls all year, should bode well for a potential at-large bid to nationals.
Game Vitals
- Score: Houghton College - 1 | Grace College – 2
- Records: Houghton College: 11-5-4 | Grace College: 9-7-3
- Venue: Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Ind.
Key Moments:
>> Early in the first half the Highlanders fouled a player inside their 18 yard box giving Grace a penalty shot. The Grace player pushed his PK wide left of the Highlander goal.
>> Later in the first half the Lancers got on the scoreboard after a Lancer player slipped a pass to a teammate in the middle of the Highlander six yard box for an easy tap in goal.
>> Not long after the Lancers' goal the Highlanders had a great chance to score when senior
Landon Sheaffer ripped a shot that went off the crossbar.
>> Midway through the second half the Highlanders went a man down after junior
Nic Loew received his second yellow card of the game and was given a red card.
>> The Lancers took their lead to two after a ball was played to a Lancer forward who dribbled into the box and beat the charging Highlander goalkeeper to score on a wide open goal.
>> In the 90
th minute sophomore
Andrew Bussey scored from 40 yards out, hitting a beautiful lofting shot over the Lancers goalkeeper.
Coaches Corner:
"Was a tough day today. Grace pressured us and we struggled to deal with it. A few injuries in the game and then having to play down a man was tough. But we stuck with it..... got a goal back late. I was proud of how we finished." - Head Coach
Matthew Webb
Next Time Out:
The Highlanders must now wait to find out if they will receive an at-large bid to the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, Fla.