MEN’S SOCCER

In a defensive standoff under the lights at Saints Field, the Huntington University men’s soccer team dropped a narrow 1-0 decision to Holy Cross College on Saturday night. The result brings the all-time series between the two programs to a 2-2 deadlock over the last four seasons.

The Foresters (1-1-0) and the Saints (3-0-1) battled through a scoreless first half, with both defenses standing tall. Huntington’s Teagan Kraal was active in net early, recording two of his three saves in the opening period to keep the Saints off the board. The Foresters had their chances as well, with Daniel Ojedayo and Jonathan Ruiz testing the Holy Cross defense, but the match remained knotted at zero heading into the break.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 60th minute when Holy Cross’ Victor Sanz Paz found the back of the net, assisted by Nikolas Panayiotou and Diego Martinez.

Huntington refused to go quietly, ramping up the pressure in the closing stages. The Foresters outshot the Saints 5-3 in the second half and 8-6 for the game. A golden opportunity for the equalizer came in the 74th minute when Samuel Edem rattled a shot off the crossbar, but the Foresters were unable to find the finishing touch. Maxwell Wieringa also forced a save from Saints keeper Sam Negus in the 87th minute as HU pushed until the final whistle.

Despite the loss, the Foresters showed grit on the road, holding a Saints team that entered the night undefeated to just six total shots.

Up Next
The Foresters return home to King Stadium to host Madonna on September 5 at 2:00 p.m.