The Elizabethtown College men’s soccer team concluded its regular season on Oct. 28, facing Landmark Conference opponent Moravian University at Ira R. Herr Field. Even with a second-half offensive effort and a late goal from Junior Caba Alvarez, the Blue Jays were unable to overcome an early deficit, falling to the Greyhounds 3-1.
Moravian came in with an impressive 9-3-5 overall record and a 5-1-2 record in Landmark Conference play. Meanwhile, Etown looked to finish its regular season on a high note following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Goucher College the previous Saturday.
The Greyhounds established offensive pressure early in the contest, forcing Etown goalkeeper Logan Sumner into action just two minutes after kickoff.
Sumner continued to face pressure throughout the opening half, making saves against Moravian’s Max Teneza and Aidan Costa to keep the match scoreless.
Etown responded with several scoring opportunities of its own. In the 14th minute, Quinn Erb fired a shot toward the upper-right portion of the goal, but Moravian goalkeeper Joey Varano successfully made the save.
First-year Carlos Salazar followed with another shot on goal in the 25th minute, but Varano once again prevented the Blue Jays from taking the lead.
Moravian finally broke through in the 32nd minute when Logan Moore found the back of the net, scoring his second goal of the season and giving the Greyhounds a 1-0 advantage.
Just over three minutes later, Moravian doubled its lead following a corner kick that deflected off an Etown defender into the goal.
The Blue Jays emerged from the break determined to narrow down the deficit, increasing their offensive pressure throughout the second half.
In the 58th minute, Alvarez attempted a shot toward the bottom center of the goal, but Varano again made the save.
Just minutes later, Logan Gisondi created two promising opportunities. His first attempt was saved in the 63rd minute before another shot struck the left goalpost in the 66th minute, narrowly missing an opportunity to bring Etown within one goal.
Moravian promptly extended its advantage in the 72nd minute when Max Comstock received a pass from Giuseppe Propato and found the back of the net, giving the Greyhounds a commanding 3-0 lead.
Just 70 seconds later, Alvarez responded with his sixth goal of the season, cutting Moravian’s advantage to 3-1 and giving the Blue Jays renewed hope with less than 18 minutes remaining.
Despite the late response, the Greyhounds maintained their advantage through the final whistle, securing the 3-1 victory.
Moravian finished the contest with a narrow 16-14 advantage in shots, while both teams recorded six shots on goal. The Greyhounds also held an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks.
The loss moves Elizabethtown to 6-5-7 overall and 2-2-5 in Landmark Conference play, bringing its regular season to a close.
