The Ashland University men's soccer team was down to 10 men for the final 33 minutes, but a 68
th minute penalty kick by junior
Kieran Paterson and a stalwart defensive effort gave the Eagles a 1-0 win over host Saginaw Valley in the GLIAC Tournament semifinal in University Center, Mich.
Ashland (5-4) will now play for their second GLIAC Tournament title in three seasons after beating the No. 7-ranked Cardinals on their home field. The Eagles will play the winner of Davenport and Parkside on Sunday at noon at the site where they won their 2018 tournament championship.
The Cardinals (8-1) had the majority of play in the first half with their wind at their backs, outshooting the Eagles, 5-0.
In the second half, the Eagles – winners of four straight – were able to get on the ball more and take the game to the Cardinals.
In the 57
th minute, Ashland went down to 10 men and the measure galvanized the effort even further. Unfazed by the disadvantage, the Eagles continued pressing and eventually won a penalty kick as junior
Haruki Kimura surged into the penalty area down the right wing and was brought down in the box by SVSU defender.
Paterson stepped up to the spot and converted a perfectly-taken penalty, drilling it past SVSU keeper Mason Maziasz. It was Paterson's team-leading fifth goal of the season.
After the goal, the Eagles withstood Saginaw's attack and used their pacey outlets up top to relieve some pressure. Ashland successfully defended multiple free kick attempts and corners in the waning minutes to secure the win.
Senior goalkeeper
Jakob Henriksen was massive, making seven saves – three in second half – to keep the clean sheet, the Eagles' second in their last four games. AU has allowed just two goals during their four-game winning streak.
The Eagles will now play at noon on Sunday (May 2) against Davenport or Parkside in the GLIAC Tournament championship game. The Eagles are 1-1-1 all-time in GLIAC Tournament championship games, winning the title in 2010 and 2018.
AU
MSOC/BB
