MEN’S SOCCER

The 6th-seeded Huntington men’s soccer team picked off 3rd-seeded Bethel College 2-1 Wednesday night at Morey Field in quarterfinal action of the Crossroads League tournament.

While the seeding would indicate the W was an upset, CL fans following men’s soccer this season would probably beg to differ as the degree of separation between seeds 3-8 was miniscule. The Pilots earned four league wins this season while the other five teams each tallied three forcing multiple tiebreakers to come into play to determine the final standings.

Tonight’s contest saw the hosts outshoot HU 16-9 but in the end, it was the Foresters who proved more efficient in their attack.

Matheus Louzada, arguably one of the most dangerous midfielders in the league, found back netting in the 44th minute on a combination play where he came off the 18 to slot the keeper for a clinical finish that gave his team a 1-0 lead heading into break.

“I thought we created some quality chances in the first half so to get a reward and stay on the front foot was exciting to see,” said Lawson.

Louzada has racked up six goals this season. The last time he found back netting was in HU’s 4-0 regular season win over Bethel back on October 6.

To no one’s surprise, the Pilots came out of halftime with a vengeance but there was no panic in Lawson’s crew. Instead, less than ten minutes into the period, Ty Sproat served a penetrating ball into the box that Jake Erlandson was able to catch up to only to be hauled down by the Bethel keeper to setup an ensuing penalty kick.

Erlandson was rewarded by making good on the PK to tack on what initially served as an insurance goal but later turned game-winner as BC got one back shortly after for a 2-1 contest that stood the test of time.

“Bethel came out of break pressing us higher up the field,” said Lawson. “and never relented on that pressure. With their athleticism and technical ability, they were able to pin us in quite a bit more than we’d like but it was a testament to our bend, don’t break mentality on defense.”

The Pilots lone goal came in the 62nd minute, just six minutes after Erlandson’s PK.

Gabe Greenfield, with five saves on the night, earned the win in net for the Foresters.

“This was a fantastic, gritty performance by the boys,” said Lawson. “Bethel is a very talented, well-coached and well-organized side so to beat them on the road was a very special night for the program.”

No. 6 Huntington (9-7-3) advances to the semifinals of the tourney. In other action across the league, 7th-seeded IWU knocked off 2nd-seeded Grace in a shootout so the Foresters, as the higher seed, will host the Wildcats on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.