LA PLUME, PA- The Keystone College men's soccer team battled throughout 90 minutes Tuesday evening, falling to Centenary University (N.J.), 1-0, at the Keystone Turf Field and Track Complex.
The Giants came out with strong energy in the opening half, creating several offensive opportunities while keeping Centenary off the scoreboard. Keystone recorded four shots in the opening 45 minutes, including attempts from Nico Bernardo (Palm Bay, FL/Bayside), Ethan Eccleston (Chandler, AZ/Hamilton), John Covert (Union Beach, NJ/Keyport) and Beckham Hash (Harrisonburg, VA/Spotswood).
Keystone was forced to play a man down for the final five minutes of the first half after Aiden Cummings (Baltimore, MD/Mount Saint Joseph) received a red card in the 41st minute. Despite the disadvantage, the Giants remained organized defensively and entered halftime tied, 0-0.
Keystone continued to compete defensively in the second half, with goalkeeper James Kallens (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central Regional) making a pair of saves to keep the match level. The Giants also continued to generate chances, with Covert registering another shot in the 65th minute.
Centenary finally broke through in the 77th minute when Brandon Morales found the back of the net off assists from Elliott Tillinghast and Tony Garcia.
The Giants continued to pressure Centenary late, earning a corner kick in the final minute, but were unable to find the equalizer before the final whistle.
Keystone finished the match with a 5-4 advantage in shots and earned three corner kicks compared to five for Centenary. Kallens finished with two saves in 90 minutes of action.
The Giants aim to even their record as the team returns to competition on Friday to take on Gwynedd Mercy University. Keystone returns home on Saturday, September 5 to take on the Cougars of Misericordia University in their second home contest of the season.
