MEN’S SOCCER

Junior Jordan Morris’ golden goal with 30 seconds remaining in OT lifted the HU men’s soccer team past the visiting Maple Leafs (0-1-1, 0-1-1) of Goshen College 2-1 Saturday afternoon at King Stadium.

With this win, HU improves to 4-0-2 in league play to not only land them the top spot in the Cross Division but the entire conference as well. Bethel currently claims first in the Roads Division with a CL record of 4-1-1.

For Morris, the game-winner is his first collegiate goal. With time winding down in overtime, Camden Dice set the stage when, after winning a challenge, he found James Lighton who sent Morris in. As the saying goes, the rest was history as the 6-1 forward slotted the keeper far post to ignite a frenzied celebration between he and his teammates.

Pablo Garcia also found back netting for the Foresters with his goal coming a few minutes into the second half. It was a tag team effort with Val De Coninck notching the assist for a 1-0 HU lead. The Maple Leafs were quick to counter just over five minutes later to force the 1-1 draw that would hold until Morris’ heroics in the extra period.

“I thought the game changed when Val and Jordan got in up top at the end of the first half,” said Coach Lawson. “It allowed us to move the ball quicker and explore in behind with the pay-off coming early in the second half when Pablo scored.”

Gabe Greenfield tallied five saves in the winning effort in frame. Today’s goal was the first the junior keeper has given up in over 250 minutes of protecting the goal.

As a team, Huntington finished with nine shots, four on frame, while their visitors collected 15, nine of which were on target.

“We are who we are,” said Lawson. “We’re a hard-working team that’s tough to break down. And I like that we’re getting strong with our attack.

“To be at the top of the conference right now is a great accomplishment – these men have earned it. But this group is still hungry and that what makes this so fun to be a part of.”

Next up for Lawson and crew is a trip to Spring Arbor on Saturday for a 7:00 p.m. matchup with the Cougars.