YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Facing the No. 3 team in the nation, the No. 19 Saint Leo University men' soccer team fell 3-0 to Lynn University, Friday afternoon on the campus of Young Harris College.
The Lions conclude their season 10-4-4 in the NCAA Division II South Region final while the Fighting Knights continue on to the national quarterfinals with a 16-1-1 overall record.
Saint Leo totaled 10 shots with three on goal, but the team was unable to stop one of the top offenses in the country. Junior Manuel Schoenhuber notched five saves in the contest but the Fighting Knights advance to meet the winner of the southeast region final.
Lynn let off the opening salvo in the first half, as reigning Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year Chris Hellman struck a shot to the wide left of the goal in the 9th minute of play. Senior Alexander Racca hustled toward the opposing keeper and sailed a shot high over the net as both squads battled in the premier half. The defense was solid for both team until Hellman found the back of the net with eight seconds remaining in the opening period.
The Lions recorded four shots while the Fighting Knights tallied seven, with two on goal. Schoenhuber notched a save to limit the top-ranked offense to a single goal in the first half.
The Green and Gold came out of the intermission swinging as the team peppered eleven shots with three on target. Freshman Matthias Katerna notched two shots in the half, both on goal, but the Lions were unable to get passed Lynn keeper Lucas Fancello.
The Fighting Knights would add another goal in the 76th minute as Adam Hutchinson sent a header to the back of the net as a corner kick deflected off the post. Hellman would pick up an assist with a corner-kick cross to the post.
Lynn's Kerst Lehmann padded the Fighting Knight lead further, adding a goal in the 88th minute to push the contest from reach at 3-0.
The Lions conclude a remarkable season in which the program tied its highest ever finish, advancing to the second round of the soccer championship tournament. Saint Leo will enter the off season, concluding the 2014 campaign with a 10-4-4 overall record.
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.
