PATCHOGUE, N.Y. - A pair of new faces in Addis Tefese and Tai Bhalla provided the late-game heroics in a 1-0 victory for Penn State Harrisburg's men's soccer team over St. Joseph's (L.I.) in the season opener on Saturday afternoon, August 31. 

After 85 scoreless minutes, Bhalla corralled a throw in near the St. Joseph's bench and drove the ball towards the corner before lofting a perfectly-placed cross into the box for a leaping Tefese who headed his attempt past goalkeeper Giuseppe Vitale for what proved to be the game-deciding goal with just 4:56 left to play.   

Nursing the one-score advantage, the Lions (1-0) kept the pressure on, bled clock by earning a late corner kick, and kept the Golden Eagles (0-1) from getting off an attempt at the equalizer in the final five minutes to seal the win. 

NOTABLES

- The season-opening victory is the first for Penn State Harrisburg since 2021. 

- Tefese's marker was his first since joining the program. 

- For Bhalla, his assist is his first since joining Penn State Harrisburg.

- The Lions outshot St. Joseph's 8-5 and 4-1 in shots on frame.

- Goalkeeper Hossam Aly needed to make just one save to earn the shutout victory. 

WHO'S NEXT?

It's a quick turnaround for the Lions as they host Mary Baldwin for their home opener on Sunday evening. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

STAY CONNECTED 

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.