Box Score

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The Shippensburg men's soccer team put forth one of its strongest and most spirited efforts of the season in its regular season finale Saturday night against the No. 2 Millersville Marauders, holding a first-half lead for over 20 minutes before ultimately dropping a 3-2 decision on Senior Day.

Shippensburg (1-13-4, 0-6-2 PSAC East) came out with a fever pitch, and its early momentum produced a beautiful goal in the 13th minute. On the first scoring chance of the game for the Red Raiders, redshirt senior Miles Harriger sent a lofting cross over the box that went onto the foot of senior Dustin Andrews. A deft touch pass from Andrews went to freshman Alex Supplee, who hammered home a goal that gave SU a 1-0 lead.

The goal was momentous for several reasons. The Marauders entered the game as the Division II leader in shutouts with 12 and the Red Raiders also became just the fourth team to hold a lead against them this season. Additionally, it was just the fourth time this season that SU held a lead at any point in a game.

Millersville (16-1, 8-0 PSAC East) responded however in the 36th minute, when Anthony Pagnotti collected a ball from a few yards inside the midfield stripe and zipped a wicked missile into the top left corner of the net past a diving Andrew Foran, eliciting a frenzied reaction from the Marauders and tying the score at 1-1.

The contest was admittedly chippy, with the officials whistling 37 fouls and issuing six cards between the two teams. Both sides exchanged blows in the second half, but the Marauders took a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute when Matt Wilson finished a run and scored off an assist from Aaron Roland.

The Red Raiders refused to relent, and another wonderful rush resulted in a goal for redshirt freshman Michael Celius. Junior Dave Rostad sent a ball into the center of the crease, and Celius collected the ricochet to tie the score in the 79th minute.

Millersville would ultimately earn the victory with a goal by Kyle Loughlin in the 83rd minute. Freshman Clay Sale made five saves while playing the second half. Foran made two saves in the first half.

Before the game, Shippensburg recognized Andrews and Keith Kassel as its two seniors.

Andrews filled a variety of roles for the Red Raider soccer program over the last four seasons but has primarily served as a center and outside back. He appeared in at least six games during each season of his career and made six starts this season while appearing in nine games. Last year, Andrews was one of just five players to start in all 18 games for the Red Raiders. Overall, Dustin appeared in 41 total games, making 24 starts.

Kassel was a defender with the Red Raider soccer program since 2006 and his role steadily increased over the past two seasons. This year, Keith made 11 starts along the back lines for Shippensburg. Last year, Kassel joined Andrews as one of just five players to start in all 18 games for the Red Raiders. Overall, he appeared in 55 total games, making 29 starts.