VERONA – Men's Soccer hosted a clash of the Eagles in a NACC Tournament Semifinal Wednesday night. As the top overall seed, they took on the fifth-seeded Benedictine Eagles. A dominant first half from Edgewood University (12-5-3) propelled them past Benedictine (7-5-7) to the NACC Tournament Final with a 3-1 victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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Ryan Hardy struck early, taking advantage of chaos on offense to punch one through the goalkeeper's hands at 3:24. Hardy helped Edgewood University keep the pressure on at 13:13, assisting
Riley Kann as Kann kicked one from the corner of the 18 yard box to the top right corner of the goal.
Arjun Kaushik wrapped up the first half onslaught at 28:09, sending home a cross into the middle from Kann.
- Edgewood University's defense was as relentless as their offense in the first half, holding Benedictine to three shots, none on goal.
- Benedictine turned up the heat in the second half with 14 shots, five on goal, but Edgewood University proved they could handle their firepower. Benedictine had their chances, but
Ezra Wallace posted five saves as he stonewalled Benedictine. While Benedictine would get a goal late at 79:47 off an Edgewood University defender, Edgewood University grinded down the clock at a misting Edgewood University Field for a hard-earned victory.
- Kann and Hardy each posted a goal and an assist. Kann had a pair of shots on goal as well.
- Krystof Cicha paced Benedictine with a pair of shots on goal.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Edgewood University has won five in a row over Benedictine.
- Edgewood University's trip to the NACC Tournament Final is their first since the 2013 season.
UP NEXT
The third-seeded MSOE Raiders will visit Edgewood University Field at Reddan Park with a NACC Tournament crown and a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line. The Eagles will look to avenge last year's defeat in the NACC Tournament Semifinal on Saturday. First kick is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
