HAVERFORD, Pa. - The Haverford College men's soccer team (0-3) suffered a heartbreaking loss to Susquehanna (2-0), falling by a 2-1 final on Wednesday afternoon. The match against the River Hawks served as the home opener for the Fords on historic Walton Field.
The shots began to fly early and often in the first 15 minutes of the match, with both teams firing off three shots a piece in the early goings.
After Haverford continued to put pressure on Susquehanna's goalkeeper Santiago Andino, a foul outside the box cued up a dangerous chance for the Scarlet and Black. After Juan Rivera played decoy and ran over the still ball, Thomas Vannie curled a right footed shot upper 90 into the back of the net, to give the Fords a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.
Both teams then continued to evenly distribute shots but both Jackson Simon and Andino stood tall, keeping the game at 1-0 headed into halftime.
The second half opened up with the Scarlet and Black looking to find an insurance goal. Shots from Gabe Knopf, Andrew Fritz, and Oscar Guardo kept Andino on his toes, however the Susquehanna keeper was able to dispel the early attacks.
However, Andino was not the only one under pressure, as multiple shots from Max Paczewski in the middle stages of the second half were turned away by Simon.
As both teams continued to trade chances, a River Hawk corner kick in the 75th minute caused chaos amongst the backline of the Fords. After the ball was poked out of the box, Susquehanna's Josh Higgins played a teasing ball back post, which saw Clay Yannazzone get on the end of and deflect in, to even the game at 1-1.
The River Hawks were not done just, as they were sniffing out a potential game winning goal. After putting relentless pressure on the Haverford backline, a handball was called inside the Scarlet and Black's box in the 85th minute, resulting in a penalty kick for the visitors.
Paczewski stepped up to the spot and hit a blistering strike that was denied by Simon, however the rebound fell to Paczeweski's feet, and the senior hit home the rebound, to give Susquehanna a 2-1 advantage late.
The Fords were not able to find another chance on net, as the River Hawks escaped Walton Field with the victory.
Following the midweek game for the Scarlet and Black, the Fords will return to Walton Field on Saturday, September 7, for a matchup with local foe Eastern. Kickoff for the Saturday matinee is slated for 12 p.m.
