SELINSGROVE, Pa. - A late comeback effort fell short for Penn State Harrisburg's men's soccer team in a 3-2 non-conference loss at Susquehanna at Sassafras Field on Tuesday night, Sept. 16.


Tai Bhalla and Addis Tafese each found the back of the net for Penn State Harrisburg (2-5-0), while Colin O'Hara and Andres Cantillo recorded one assist apiece. 


The game began with a quick strike by Susquehanna's Alex Clark in the third minute that gave the home team an early 1-0 advantage that it wouldn't relinquish. Penn State Harrisburg goalkeeper Ethan Smith made key saves in the opening half, including a stop on a Javier Diaz attempt in the 41st minute, to keep things within reach. Despite several offensive chances, including shots from Brandon Axton and Bhalla, the Lions were unable to convert heading into the break.


The second half began with the River Hawks (2-4-0) doubling their lead to 2-0 thanks to a goal by Zak Kreisher in the 45th minute. After SU tacked on another 11 minutes later, Bhalla eventually responded in the 61st minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from O'Hara to cut the deficit to 3-1. Addis Tafese converted his first goal of the season in the 85th minute off a find from Andres Cantillo but the visitors ran out of gas in the final minutes and eventually fell short by the slimmest of margins.


NOTABLES
- The Lions outshot Susquehanna 15-11 overall and 11-9 in shots on goal.
- Penn State Harrisburg earned 11 corner kicks, compared to just three for the River Hawks.
- Bhalla's goal was his first of the season and the fifth of his career.
- Tafese's marker was his first of the fall and the second of his career.
- O'Hara and Cantillo each added an assist.
- Smith made four saves in goal for Penn State Harrisburg.


WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions return home to host Messiah on Saturday night. 


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