CINCINNATI, OHIO – The Mount St. Joseph University men's soccer team continued their home stand at Schueler Field on Saturday evening, losing to Muskingum 4-3 in a thrilling match.
The contest began with an early punch from the Fighting Muskies, who capitalized in the first and fourth minutes to take a quick 2-0 lead. The Lions answered just minutes later, with Michael Smith delivering a perfect free kick into the Muskingum box. Brady Diedenhofer rose to meet the ball, heading it down to Ben Pechous, who finished with a header of his own, putting the Lions on the board and cutting the Muskies' lead to 2-1. Just eight minutes later, the Lions were level. Diedenhofer found the back of the net, assisted by Derek Rolfes, making it 2-2. In a thrilling first half, MSJ wasn't finished yet. In the 42nd minute, Brennan Lewis fired a rocket with his right foot, assisted by Eric Slavey, giving the Lions a 3-2 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw both teams continue to press forward with intensity. Muskingum fired eight shots in the second half, but MSJ matched them offensively, also taking eight shots. The Muskies struck first in the second half, tying the game 3-3 in the 73rd minute. With less than five minutes remaining in regulation, Muskingum capitalized on a late offensive opportunity, finding the back of the net once more to take the lead 4-3.
UP NEXT: MSJ will return to action on Wednesday, September 10, when they travel to Marietta, Ohio, to take on Marietta College. Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM.
