CINCINNATI, Ohio - On Wednesday, October, 19th your Mount St. Joseph University Lions welcomed the Panthers of Hanover to Schueler Field. The last time these two squads faced off, was for the 2021 HCAC Championship. Ultimately, the Lions fell up short but would get another chance Wednesday night. Each squad entered the contest owning unbeaten streaks. The Mount held a 8-game unbeaten streak while Hanover held a 9-game unbeaten streak. Each team would be put to test with a Championship like atmosphere including a packed crowd Wednesday night.
Hanover got off to a quick start to begin play. After each team would trade shots, Hanover would finally get a chance on the net. The HCAC's leading scorer Beth Cook narrowly slipped the ball past goalkeeper
Alyse Harris giving the Panthers an early 1-0 advantage in the 21st minute.
Following the goal, both defenses stepped up. Hanover ended the half with 4 shots just topping The Mount's 3 shots. After 45 minutes of play the Lions trailed the Panthers 1-0.
In the second half of play each defense again stood its ground. The Lions again limited the Panthers offensive threat. In the 57th minute of play the Lions defense came up big. Hanover was awarded a corner kick and whipped the ball into the box.
Alyse Harris initially missed the ball but defender
Haley Trittschuh made a terrific play stopping the ball with her leg as Harris swooped in to gain possession.
But, the Lions offense could not find their footing. It wasn't until the 84th minute that the Lions would get a chance on the net.
Poetrie Bedgood would gain possession down the near sideline. As she dribbled to the goal line Bedgood cut back to her left with a solid chance on the net. Bedgood powered up and sent a shot hurling towards the bottom left hand corner. But, the Hanover keeper was there to make the play.
The Lions would get one final chance in the final 30 seconds of play. The Lions were awarded a corner kick with just 20 seconds left to go needing 1 goal to tie. McKenzie Schneeman ran to the corner with urgency sending a ball into the box. No Lions could get a piece of it but off a deflected clear
Lauren Boland would get one final shot with just 5 seconds left to go. Boland let it rip from roughly 27 yards out but it landed just wide right. After 90 minutes of play the Lions fell to the Panthers 1-0.
UP NEXT: Your Mount St. Joseph Lions are back in action this Saturday, October 22nd for their final regular season home match of the year. The Lions are set to face off against the Ravens of Anderson with kick-off scheduled for 1pm. Please continue to tune into msjlions.com for coverage of your MSJ Women's Soccer team and all MSJ Athletics.
