GLASSBORO, N.J. – The TCNJ men's soccer team nearly made a miraculous comeback at Rowan on Wednesday night, scoring three times in the final seven minutes before their furious rally fell just short in a 4-3 defeat.
 
The Profs (6-3-5, 4-2-1) clinched an NJAC playoff berth with the result, while the Lions (3-11-2, 1-5-1) were eliminated from postseason contention. It was hardly without a fight, as Massimo Rodio, Chris Meder, and Hayden Wiltsey all found the back of the net in a span of 3:10 in the closing minutes to leave Rowan stunned before the hosts managed to hang on.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Profs got out to a quick start as Sergio Sola Garcia roofed home the rebound after Julian Franco got his left palm on a goal-bound shot from Johnny Troiano, staking the hosts to a lead in the 13^th minute
• Rowan dealt an early knockout punch in the 36^th minute. After goalie Dylan Aportela snared a long-range free kick from Rodio that was destined for the top left corner, the Profs played out of the back and scored on an impressive sequence as Ryan Gale settled a long pass at midfield and burst down the right flank before laying off a pass for Troiano to slot into the left corner of the Lions' net for a 2-0 lead
• A defensive breakdown left Franco in trouble early in the second half and Rowan made the Lions pay as the senior keeper had multiple attackers in alone. Franco made a valiant attempt to cut off the ball, but Emiliano Pavia managed to evade him and send a left-footed shot into the open net to make it 3-0 in the 58^th minute
• The Profs tacked on another only 76 seconds later, when Turlough Gartlan rose high to head home a cross in the box from Davide Caputo
• TCNJ got on the board with 7:00 left in the contest as Rodio was upended in the box by Aportela. The sophomore stepped up and buried the ensuing penalty kick into the right side of the net for his first goal of the season and the fourth of his career
• Rowan conceded another penalty just over two minutes later as Meder was dragged down from behind after being played in by Julien Carraha. The rookie converted his PK low and to the right, leaving Aportela stranded
• Only 47 seconds later, Meder rose to meet a long cross and headed down for fellow rookie Wiltsey, who ripped a one-timer with his left foot into the top left corner of the net to open his collegiate account and give the Lions a chance at a shocking result
• Pressing hard for an equalizer, TCNJ was unable to get another shot off as the Profs held on for the wild win

NOTES

• With seven saves, Franco moved past Scott Read '89 and into sixth on the program's all-time list with 233 and counting
• Walker Smith replaced Franco in the 63^rd minute and made one save in his second appearance of the season
• Meder's assist was the first of his career, and the three points were his first since September 10
• Rodio's goal was his first since September 28 of last season
• Wiltsey's goal came on his first career shot attempt
• The three goals were the most by the Lions since a 3-2 win over Penn State Abington on September 10

UP NEXT

• The Lions head to New Jersey City on Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff