The Hood College men’s soccer team lost 1-0 to Neumann on Oct. 31 in Aston, Pa., but secured the No. 5 seed in the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth Tournament. Hood College had its playoff position determined before the conference finale and will travel to Widener for a No. 4-versus-No. 5 play-in game.
Neumann Scores in Second Half
Neumann controlled possession early and generated several scoring opportunities in the opening half. Hood College goalkeeper Adam Labows made five saves before halftime and finished with six saves.
Hood College produced its only shot on goal in the 42nd minute, when Landon Norcross tested Neumann goalkeeper Seiya Sato. Sato made the save, and the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Neumann continued to apply pressure after the break, earning three corner kicks and forcing another save from Labows during the opening six minutes of the second half. Jordan Illian broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, scoring on an assist from JP Phillip to give Neumann a 1-0 lead.
Hood College Sets Play-In Matchup
The Blazers pushed for an equalizer during the final 30 minutes but finished with four total shots and one shot on goal. Austin Heffner, Adrian Corsi and Tristan Jareb-Grabner each recorded a shot in the second half.
Neumann outshot Hood College 19-4, while Sato made one save in 90 minutes. Twenty-five Hood College players entered the match, and Kollin Purgason played the final 14 minutes.
Hood College finished the regular season 7-9-1 overall and 3-4-1 in conference play. Neumann improved to 12-3-2 overall and 7-0-1 in conference play and will claim the No. 1 seed in the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth playoffs.
Hood College will play Widener on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. in the first Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth men’s soccer play-in game. The No. 4-versus-No. 5 matchup will be a rematch at Widener.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Hood College enters the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth Tournament as the No. 5 seed despite the loss. The conference finale also established the matchup at Widener, where Hood College will need to win the play-in game to continue its postseason.
Source: Original report
