GREENVILLE, Ill. – In front of a packed Francis Field crowd, the Greenville men's soccer team saw its championship dreams end in heartbreak, falling 1–0 in overtime to Lyon in the SLIAC Championship Final on Saturday. Despite controlling possession and creating the better chances, the Panthers were undone by a golden goal late in the second overtime period.

How it Happened:

1st Half

Greenville opened the match on the front foot, dictating the tempo and pressuring Lyon early. William Collier and Juan Fernandez each tested the keeper, while Tian Poyo made a key stop late in the half to preserve the 0–0 scoreline at the break. The Panthers' defense, led by Ben Wilcoxen and Samuel Paez, kept Lyon's attack largely in check.

2nd Half

The momentum stayed with Greenville after halftime as Gabriel Sule and Richard Kerwer continued to threaten. Poyo came up big again in the 69th and 70th minutes, denying back-to-back Lyon shots to keep the Panthers in it. Despite several late chances, Greenville couldn't find the breakthrough, sending the match to overtime.

Overtime

Greenville pressed for the winner as Kerwer and Braulio Martinez forced strong saves from Lyon's goalkeeper. 

In the second overtime, Poyo produced a spectacular diving stop to keep the Panthers alive, but just ten seconds later, Lyon converted on a follow-up chance to seal the golden goal and end Greenville's season.

Season Reflection:
Though the result was heartbreaking, Greenville's run to the SLIAC Final embodied grit, discipline, and togetherness. The Panthers finish the 2025 season with a 10-5-3 overall record and 6-0-2 in conference, capping off a campaign defined by heart, resilience, and a memorable postseason in front of their home fans at Francis Field.