MEN’S SOCCER

While Marian entered Saturday night’s match as the higher seed in the league standings, the Forester men’s soccer team quickly proved the better team by scoring early on their way to a 2-1 decision at King Stadium.

Joao Ratinho put his team in the driver’s seat when he scored in the ninth minute. Edoardo Moretti added to the lead 15 minutes into the second half when he blistered a shot far post on a beautifully placed pass from Ratinho.

It was an insurance goal turned game-winner as the Knights countered ten minutes later. While the lead wasn’t quite as comfortable after that, the hosts were able to run out the clock for the win.

HU finished with 14 shots, nine on frame, to MU’s 11, seven of which were on target. Dan Pellegrine went the distance in goal, collecting six saves along the way, to earn the win.

“The boys were fantastic tonight,” said Coach Russ Lawson. “I thought we came out strong from the first whistle. Our backline was stout, and our attack was composed and dynamic.

“I’m proud of the boys. This was a great team win and gives us a little more momentum heading into the play-offs.”

Today’s match was the last of the regular season with the Foresters (7-7-4) sliding in at the No. 6 spot in the league standings with a 4-4-1 CL record while the loss drops the Knights (11-4-2, 5-4) into the fifth spot. Huntington will hit the road to take on 3rd-seeded Spring Arbor Saturday in quarterfinal action of the Crossroads League tournament.