Hood College men’s soccer earned the first postseason victory in program history Tuesday, defeating Widener 3-1 on the road in Chester, Pennsylvania. Aidan Wright scored twice, including the game-winning penalty kick, while goalkeeper Kollin Purgason made five saves in his first career start.
Hood Builds Early Lead
Widener applied early pressure and earned several corners during the opening 10 minutes. In the 27th minute, Purgason stopped Jordi Lopez’s penalty kick attempt to keep the match scoreless.
Ange Simo put Hood ahead in the 31st minute, finishing a scoring chance to make it 1-0. Seven minutes later, Simo drew the foul that led to a penalty kick, and Wright converted for a 2-0 advantage.
Widener cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 78th minute on a goal by Ricky Venegas Banuelos. Wright answered in the final minutes with a free-kick goal to complete the scoring and secure Hood’s first postseason win.
Purgason Delivers in First Start
Purgason earned his first career victory while making five saves for Hood. His penalty kick stop in the first half helped preserve the scoreless match before Hood established its lead.
Widener finished with advantages in shots and corner kicks, leading 11-9 in shots and 6-3 in corners. Hood improved to 8-9-1 with the victory.
Hood Advances to MAC Semifinal
Hood will face No. 1 seed Neumann on the road Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in a semifinal matchup. The game continues Hood’s postseason run after the program secured its first playoff victory.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Hood College men’s soccer converted its key opportunities in a historic postseason victory. Wright supplied two goals, Simo added a goal and helped create the penalty kick, and Purgason made five saves in his first career start.
Source: Original report
