MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's soccer team overcame a first-half goal and netted a late equalizer to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw with perennial contender Messiah at the college's turf complex on Saturday night, Sept. 20.
Addis Tafese converted the lone goal for Penn State Harrisburg (2-5-1), while goalkeeper Ethan Smith made three saves to help secure the tie.
After controlling possession for much of the first half, Messiah (1-5-1) eventually got on the board first when Ethan Gregory finished off a cross in the box from Davis Pagett in the 21st minute.
After the break, the Lions turned the tide and ramped up the aggressiveness, eventually leading to a chance late in the second half when a Messiah foul resulted in a Malachi Abma free kick from just outside the box that hit the underside of the crossbar. Tafese was there to follow the attempt with a header that found the back of the net and tied things up with 14:08 left to play.
NOTABLES
- After Saturday's tie, the all-time series between the two programs stands at 2-2-1.
- Tafese's goal is his second of the season and second in as many games.
- Both teams finished with four shots on goal.
- The Falcons finished with a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
