Bid for Fourth Top-25 Win Thwarted in Regular-Season Finale
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen men’s soccer team nearly pulled off yet another huge win in its memorable 2018 season, but came up just short as it fell 2-1 to #13 Baker in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Saturday.
#18 William Penn (14-4, 8-3 Heart) entered Saturday night with a chance to win the league regular-season crown, but in a crowded race at the top, the loss, coupled with wins by Missouri Valley and Benedictine, puts the navy and gold on the road as the #5 seed in the Heart Tournament.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how one wishes to view it, WPU will have a familiar foe as it travels to Baldwin City, Kan. next Saturday to meet these same Wildcats in the tourney quarterfinals (Time TBD).
The hosts broke a scoreless tie at the 38:21 mark when a throw-in by Donny Mesina (Jr., Inglewood, Calif., Sports Management) was knocked around the box for a few seconds before finally being put away by Luis Amezquita (Jr., Inglewood, Calif., Sociology). The goal is his second of the season.
The 1-0 advantage stood entering halftime, but the Wildcats (14-4, 8-3 Heart) knotted the contest in the 47th minute. Then, despite outshooting the visitors 15-12 overall and 11-10 in the second period, WPU permitted the eventual game-winner at the 76:47 juncture.
William Penn failed to find an equalizer in the final minutes and will now look for a deep conference tournament run to possibly extend its campaign into its first-ever national tournament appearance.
Austin Munoz (Jr., Harrisville, Utah, Sports Management) recorded five saves in the loss.
“We stuck to the game plan, but a few lapses in concentration cost us tonight,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “I am so proud of our players for leaving it all on the field. We showed that we are one of the best teams in the nation and we can give anyone a game. We have had a great season so far and we look to make a good run in the playoffs. We will learn from this and be ready to go this week.”
