MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The 2023 season has been nothing short of exceptional for the Millersville men's soccer team, conquering the PSAC Eastern Division with 9-1-2 record, earning a fifth PSAC Championship title, and entering the NCAA Tournament for the ninth time in program history. The brilliant season came to an end at Pucillo Field Saturday night, though, in a 2-1 loss to the Gannon Golden Knights.
The third-seeded Marauders (14-3-3) held an advantage in nearly every facet of the game except the scoreboard. Millersville out-shot Gannon (17-1-2) 13-7 and put five shots on goal and earned seven corner kicks to Gannon's four. Both sides handled the ball with composure and precision, creating opportunities for their team on the offensive attack, but Gannon scored the game's first two goals while Millersville's scoring chances narrowly missed time and time again.
Fortunate bounces and deflections led the Knights to two counter-attack goals. Rafa Hyde scored the first in the 19th minute, drilling a shot from beyond the 18-yard box after Millersville misplayed the ball. Gabriel Delin scored quickly out of the halftime break for a 2-0 Golden Knight advantage. It came off a goal kick, and a long pass to midfield where Millersville's defense was caught out of position. Delin found himself in 2-on-1 with Millersville keeper
Travis Holiday, and he kept the ball on his foot until sneaking the ball inside the the right post.
Among Millersville's best chances to draw closer came in the 60th and 61st minute, when PSAC East Athlete of the Year
Bob Hennessey took back-to-back shots. On the second opportunity,
Zander Leik split Gannon defenders with a beautiful pass, hitting a sprinting Hennessey in stride as he entered the box. Taking on the Gannon goalkeeper one-on-one, Hennessey took one extra touch but lost his angle of attack and his shot went high.
The Knights' defense held up against a frantic Millersville offense, minimizing the passing lanes and long ball breakaways. With 30 seconds left on the clock, a handball was called on Gannon just inside the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty kick for the Marauders.
Mike Kreider placed a line drive shot just under the cross bar. But there was too little time to find the equalizer, as Gannon quickly booted the ball deep into the Millersville end to drain the clock.
"I'm extremely proud of everyone and the entire team," said Millersville head coach Steve Widdoson. "We set out to create memories and enjoy ourselves this year, and we checked both boxes convincingly. Every player and coach gave their all and was determined to get us back on top and we achieved that aim. We can, and will, look back on this season with fond memories for many years to come. Now it's time to take a breath and celebrate our achievements before we get back to work in preparation for 2024."
