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Men's soccer playoff debut ends in heartbreak

Men's soccer playoff debut ends in heartbreak

Oct 31, 2021 · Men's Soccer

BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - Men's soccer made their first playoff appearance in program history this evening after an eventful day which saw the game moved from Morristown, N.J. to a home game after poor field conditions forced the game to General Nelson Field. When the game began there was plenty of emotions, and the game ended the same way. Unfortunately, the Lions were on the wrong end of the scoreboard to Saint Elizabeth 2-1. 
BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - Men's soccer made their first playoff appearance in program history this evening after an eventful day which saw the game moved from Morristown, N.J. to a home game after poor field conditions forced the game to General Nelson Field. When the game began there was plenty of emotions, and the game ended the same way. Unfortunately, the Lions were on the wrong end of the scoreboard to Saint Elizabeth 2-1. 

Inside the Box score
  • Brandon Cruz scored the goal for the Lions 
  • Enrico Romano logged an assit
  • Mike Haas and Trevor Rush combined for six saves
How it happened
  • After a delay in the original start time, both teams came out with a lot of energy and back and forth play
  • In the early going the Lions and Eagles both threatened with shots on goal
  • Lions controlled the intial play in the early going of the first half and finally broke through off a cracker of shot from Brandon Cruz which was delivered to him by Romano to give the Lions a 1-0 lead
  • The lead would hold for the halftime score
  • With halftime adjustments made, the teams would take the field for the second half
  • The Eagles were more on the attack in the second and it paid off in the 66th minute when Jacob Flores netted a goal off the pass from Enrique De La Torre
  • Saint Elizabeth would score a second unanswered goal and ultimately the game winner in the 75th minute off the foot of Jacob Flores again.
  • Bryn Athyn would push hard in the final minutes to get an equalizer and had great opportunities off throw ins, but Saint Elizabeth stood pat
  • The final score was 2-1 in the favor of the fourth seeded Saint Elizabeth
What the Coach says
Head Coach Bill O'Neill said on the conclusion of the season,"I couldn't be more proud of this group of guys. They truly have hearts of a Lion. When I envisioned what I wanted this program to be, I didn't think we could be here. But these guys embody everything I envisioned. They have truly come together as a family and have each other's back. They represent Bryn Athyn College with Lion Pride! The coaching staff, the college, the families and the community should be so proud to have a group like this representing them the way these guys do. I am proud to be their coach!"

Notes
  • The Lions season came to an end with the loss, but it was a season for the record books.
  • Men's soccer went from 1-15 in 2019 to 7-9 this season
  • They secured their first playoff game in program history
  • Seniors Mike Haas and Brandon Cruz finished their careers as Lions and we thank them for their commitment to excellence