MEN’S SOCCER

It wasn’t how the Forester men’s soccer team wanted to head into league play as the Thunder of Trine University handed their visitors a 4-2 loss Saturday afternoon at Weaver Field.

Four goals is the most offense HU has given up this season. Lawson’s crew entered the day having scored 21 goals to their opponents’ eight which translates to allowing a goal a game but on this given day, the Thunder scored twice in the opening 23 minutes to set a tone that HU couldn’t match.

Huntington kept things interesting to start the second half when Val De Coninck placed a ball in perfect position for Noah Fleming to slam home his fourth goal of the year to cut the lead in half at 2-1. Unfortunately, Trine was quick to stifle the HU hopefuls by finding back netting less than ten minutes later and then further distancing themselves in the 85th minute on a PK to open up a 4-1 advantage.

Trine returned the favor in the waning minutes with a penalty kick for HU that Eric Ocock blasted back netting for his first collegiate goal.

“Trine came out strong and got a couple early ones that got us on our heels,” said Lawson. “The boys had a decent response to start the second half but ultimately we were not good enough on the day.

“Credit Trine for taking full advantage.”

Shots were nearly identical with Huntington owning a slight 12-11 advantage, as were corner kicks (7-6 in favor of HU), but it was the hosts that proved more efficient and able to capitalize on their opportunities as evidenced by the final score.

Blake Cooke, in his first start of the year, took the loss in goal. The sophomore keeper collected four saves in the losing effort.

Huntington (5-3-1) now turns their attention to conference play which opens up on Wednesday. The Foresters host #24 Grace at 4:00 p.m.