EWING, N.J. – The TCNJ men's soccer team lost a hard-fought battle at home against the Pioneers of William Paterson by a score of 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

After going into the half tied at zero, William Paterson (5-6, 1-2) scored a quick two goals in the 66^th and 71^st minutes which the Lions (3-7-1, 1-2) were only able to make up one of the two goals scored.

 HOW IT HAPPENED

-       Julian Franco had a big save early on in the 17^th minute as a William Paterson header was on its way to the top left corner of the net. Franco leaped and batted the ball away from the woodwork.

-       The Lions entered the half tied but had some chances throughout the first half to take the lead. A John Ramos shot in the 33^rd nearly got by the William Paterson goalie but he came up with the save.

-       In the last minute of the half, David Anderson nearly gave the Lions himself with a low running shot to the bottom left corner. However, a diving Pioneer goalkeeper denied Anderson's strike.

-       The Pioneers struck first in the 66^th minute on a low running shot to the bottom left corner of the net past a diving Franco.

-       In the 71^st, a William Paterson player rushed Franco in a clear attempt, deflected it, raced Franco for the ball and sent a shot into the back of the net to extend their lead to two.

-       TCNJ cut the deficit in half on a Colin Kenville goal from inside the box on the left side. After shaking a defender, he made a touch to his right and took an off foot shot that found the back of the net to bring the WPU lead right back to one.

-       Plenty of chances were had to tie the game including a Daniel Grund shot to the top right corner of the net that was saved and a Kenville free kick from just outside the '18 that was also saved.  

NOTES

-       Kenville netted his third goal of the year which ties him with Chris Meder for leading goal scorer on the team.

-       This is the sixth game for the Lions decided by a one goal deficit.

-       Also adding shots on goal for the Lions was Anderson and Massimo Rodio. Rodio had two shots with one on goal while Anderson had just the one shot on goal.

-       Luke Pascarella, Mike Garofalo, Meder, Matias Hornos and Lucas Sample also took shots for the Lions on Saturday.

UP NEXT

-       The Lions are back on the road again this Wednesday as they travel to Chestertown, MD. for a matchup with the Shoremen of Washington College at 4 PM.