GREENVILLE, Ill. – The Greenville University men's soccer team mounted a spirited second-half comeback Saturday afternoon at Francis Field, but visiting Crown College held on for a 3-2 victory.
The Panthers controlled much of the match offensively, outshooting the Polars 19-11 and earning nine corner kicks, but Crown capitalized on its opportunities and received a hat trick from Ashton Hosler to secure the win.
Crown struck twice in a span of less than two minutes during the first half. Hosler opened the scoring in the 17th minute before adding a second goal just 86 seconds later off an assist from Jared Hernandez, giving the visitors a 2-0 advantage.
Greenville continued to generate chances throughout the opening half, including a penalty kick opportunity in the 42nd minute, but Crown goalkeeper Logan Jacobson came up with the save to preserve the two-goal lead heading into halftime.
The Polars extended their lead early in the second half when Hosler converted a penalty kick in the 51st minute to complete his hat trick and make it 3-0.
The Panthers responded immediately. Just 39 seconds later,
Richard Kerwer found the back of the net to put Greenville on the board and shift momentum in favor of the home side. Greenville continued to press and cut the deficit to one in the 65th minute when
Will Malone finished a pass from
Samuel Paez to make it 3-2.
Greenville pushed for the equalizer over the final 25 minutes, creating several dangerous opportunities.Â
Kerwer led the Panthers with six shots, including five on goal, while
Juan Fernandez-Macias Hijas added four shots and three on frame. However, Jacobson made eight saves for Crown, including several key stops late in the match, helping the Polars withstand the Panthers' surge.
Miguel Valcarce Gomez recorded six saves in goal for Greenville.
Despite the loss, the Panthers finished with advantages in shots (19-11), shots on goal (10-9), and corner kicks (9-4), but were unable to overcome Crown's efficient finishing.
Greenville (1-4) will look to build on Saturday's strong second-half performance as the Panthers continue their non-conference schedule at home on Monday evening against Illinois College.
