The Shippensburg University men's soccer team could not hold off homestanding Lock Haven in the second half on Wednesday, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Bald Eagles in non-conference action at Hubert Jack Stadium.
Shippensburg (1-2-0) fell behind in the fourth minute but rallied to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.
Liam Heitmann and
Nat Thompson each scored their first goals as Raiders to establish an SU advantage.
Heitmann's goal was a brilliant individual effort. After administering a throw-in, the carom came back to Heitmann, who promptly unleashed a 15-yard run in which he dribbled through multiple defenders – including two in the crease – to sneak a shot far post for his first collegiate goal.
Thompson's tally was a deft redirect off an incredibly long diagonal ball from
Nate Herb. Standing in the left side of the box, Thompson's quick hit clicked off a defender and flew into the back of the net. Herb's through ball traveled 40 yards and went right to Thompson's left foot.
Lock Haven (2-2-1) posted a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal in the second half and countered with three goals in a 24-minute stretch to take the match.
The Bald Eagles evened the score in the 62nd minute. After a foul in the box,
Ryan Krumenacker made a diving save on the ensuing penalty kick, but the rebound went right back to the taker – Danny Ogan – who scored to make it 2-2.
Evan Jennings finished a cross in the box with 17:30 remaining to put the hosts on top. Javier Contreras Leon added an insurance tally with 4:27 left after he completed a run onto a long heave forward by slipping a shot past Krumenacker in a 1-v-1 situation.
Shippensburg posted an 8-7 edge in corner kicks, recording four in each half. Krumenacker and Bald Eagle goalkeeper Ethan Beck each finished with four saves.
SU remains on the road this weekend and is next in action at 1 p.m. Saturday at Slippery Rock.
