Cougars Suffer Tough 2-1 Loss to Goshen Maple Leafs
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saint Francis (Ind.) (7-4-1, 0-3-0) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Goshen (1-7-3, 1-1-1) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Saturday evening the University of Saint Francis Cougars (7-4-1; 0-3 Crossroads) traveled to Goshen, Indiana to take on the Goshen College Maple Leafs (1-7-3; 1-1-1) but suffered a tough 2-1 loss as a penalty kick in the final five minutes was the difference.
Starting the game, it was the Maple Leafs who created the first scoring chances as they shot for the net a couple times in the opening eight minutes, but freshman goalkeeper Joe Deitering made both saves. The Maple Leafs kept pressing though and in the 10th minute they knocked it past Deitering to give Goshen a 1-0 lead.
Not too long after that it was the Cougars who went on the offensive and responded with a couple shots, the second of which was a header from a free kick by sophomore defender Dominic Borucki who scored the game-tying goal on an assist by junior midfielder Mateo Abella.
The remainder of the first half went back-and-forth with both teams exchanging scoring opportunities and shots on net. No further scoring was done though in the frame as the game went to halftime tied 1-1.
Both teams picked up where they left off to start the second half with each side getting a shot off in the first five minutes. The game progressed and both Goshen and Saint Francis made several bids at the net, but both goalkeepers were on their game.
The game entered the final 10 minutes with neither team able to gain an edge. Then a costly foul by the Cougars led to a penalty kick for the Maple Leafs in the 85th minute, and they took advantage knocking the ball past Deitering into the net for what would be the game-ending goal.
Throughout the game, Joe Deitering made five saves against just two goals scored while the Cougars managed four shots on goal themselves.
The Cougars resume play next Saturday when they play host to the Marian University Knights (3-5-2; 0-1-1) at Bishop D'Arcy Stadium beginning at 3:00 pm.
Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.