Schoenhuber earns nine impressive saves, but No. 9 Lions fall to late penalty kick
BOCA RATON, Fla. (October 25, 2014) – Despite a second half comeback that saw the ninth-ranked Saint Leo men's soccer team tie the game at 2-2, the Lions fell to the No. 4 Lynn University Fighting Knights by a final score of 3-2 on Saturday evening on a penalty kick in the 87th minute.
The Lions drop to a record of 10-2-2, and 6-2-0 in Sunshine State Conference play, while the Fighting Knights claim the 2014 SSC regular season championship and advance to 12-1-1, and 6-0-1 in conference play.
"As expected, it was a great, hard-fought conference battle," said head coach Keith Fulk. "In the end, they were more physical and were the more aggressive team. Nine times out of 10, those teams come out on top. We fought back tonight and showed some great late-game effort, but in the end it wasn't enough."
With the SSC regular season championship title on the line, it was a heated game from the start. Both teams came out of the gate with an elevated intensity, and the match ignited with fervor and physicality.
The Fighting Knights got on the board on an unassisted goal by Matthias Jaenicke in the 33rd minute. Shortly after, Lynn had another opportunity on a fast breakaway that resulted in a one-on-one with Schoenhuber, but a clutch kick save held the Fighting Knights back on the first attempt. Unfortunately, Lynn was able to capitalize on their second attempt as Lukas Zlatartis scored off of a double assist by Nicolas Mortensen and Chris Hellmann. Lynn held onto their 2-0 advantage to the break, and led the shot count 11-3 after the first 45 minutes.
The Lions battled back in the second stanza, and an unassisted goal by Matthias Katerna breathed new life into the team in the 79th minute. A foul by the Fighting Knights in the 86th minute set up Alexander Racca with a solid look on target off of a free kick, and with a well-placed ball that sailed over the hands of Lucas Fancello, Saint Leo found themselves tied at 2-2 with a little under five minutes to play.
Play resumed with both teams once again turning up the intensity, and as the Lions were trying to clear the ball from their defensive end, they found themselves called for a hand ball in the box, setting up the Fighting Knights for a penalty kick in the 87th minute. Hellmann was given the chance to take the kick, and converted the shot to give Lynn a 3-2 advantage at the 86:23 mark.
Despite the Lions' best efforts to grab the second equalizer, they were unable to find another opportunity for a shot on goal, and the Fighting Knights were able to secure the win.
Saint Leo led the game in saves, 10-1, thanks to nine by Manuel Schoenhuber and a team save by Matt Campbell to open the second half. Lynn led the overall shot count, 24-9, as well as in shots on goal, 13-3, Lynn committed more fouls, 23-18, and was issued three yellow cards to the Lions' two. Both teams had six corner kick opportunities.
The Saint Leo men's soccer team returns to action in their final game of the regular season, a south region matchup against the Rollins College Tars on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Game time against the Tars is set for 7 p.m. at University Field.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
