SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Millersville men's soccer team earned its first PSAC win of the 2025 season, defeating Shippensburg 1-0 on the road.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle between both squads. The Marauders earned a pair of corner kicks within the first 14 minutes but were unable to capitalize on either opportunity. Both teams shared long stretches of possession throughout the half but were unable to convert on goal attempts. Millersville registered a limited number of shots, with Zander Leik recording the only shot on goal. The opening half concluded scoreless, sending both teams into the break tied at 0-0.
Millersville came out strong in the second half, taking two shots within the first five minutes. Juan Ortiz narrowly missed the bottom-right corner in a chance that nearly gave the Marauders the lead. The offensive pressure continued as Louis Wright and Haven Thomas each placed shots on goal, both saved by the Shippensburg goalkeeper. The Marauders' pressure finally paid off when freshman Kayden Sowell connected with captain Zander Leik for a one-touch goal, giving Millersville a 1-0 advantage.
Shippensburg mounted late pressure in the final 20 minutes, earning three consecutive corner kicks, but the Marauder defense held firm. Goalkeeper Gavin Massimi made two saves to secure his first PSAC victory in goal.
With the win, Millersville improves to 4-3-2 overall and 1-1 in PSAC East play. The Marauders return to action for their first home PSAC matchup of the season, hosting Shepherd at 2 p.m. at Pucillo Field.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Leik extends his goal total to four on the season
- Massimi records his fourth shutout of the year
- Millersville outshot Shippensburg 15-8
THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH STEVE WIDDOWSON
- In a back-and-forth game, what are your thoughts on the boys staying persistent, continuing to create opportunities, and finally capitalizing with a successful shot? "Our persistence and perseverance were our greatest strengths today. It was a game lacking in quality overall but we kept plugging away until we finally found a goal. We kept looking for solutions and thankfully found one late on."
- Defensively, what did you like from the guys the last ten minutes as they held off Shippensburg to secure the first PSAC win of the season? "It was certainly a nervous ending to the game. We gave them far too many set piece opportunities but we defended each of them resolutely. The center backs and goalkeeper worked very hard throughout the game to provide us with a shutout and a chance to win the game. To be fair, they were the ones that won the game for us today."
