Men's Soccer Battles to the End; Season Ends in WHAC Quarterfinals

(Fort Wayne, IN)-- The Cleary Cougar men's soccer team faced one of the WHAC's best, as they squared off with the #17 ranked Indiana Tech Warriors Tuesday evening in the first round of the WHAC Tournament.

After conceding a couple early corners, Cleary would get their first shot on target in the 5th minute, when Marcel Zanchin delivered a free kick to the head of Liam Coyle in the box, but Coyle's header was directly at the Warrior keeper.  The Warriors would push higher up the field, as Cleary's defensive block lowered, and the possession really began to favor the home team.  In the 17th minute, Austin Freemire and the Cougar defense stood tall, as Indiana Tech forced the Cougar defense to scramble and save multiple shot attempts, still bending but not breaking.  In the 38th minute, the Warriors would find the game's only breakthrough, when Cleary was caught up the field, and a through ball sent Pana Georgiou behind with only Freemire to beat.  Freemire would make a strong attempt, but was unable to prevent the goal, and Indiana Tech scored the go-ahead goal.

Still trailing 1-0 late in the game, Cleary was able to create a couple of half-chances, but the equalizer could not be found.  The Cougars best chance late came from the foot of Marcel Zanchin, but his shot was fired directly at the Warrior keeper, and the game would end with a 1-0 scoreline.

Austin Freemire was stellar in between the posts, making 12 saves on 13 shots faced.  Cleary was outshot 27-6 in the game, with Indiana Tech holding a 13-4 advantage in shots on target.  Indiana Tech would also hold an 11-2 advantage on corner kicks, while Cleary committed 18 fouls to the Warriors' 11.

The loss ends Cleary's sesaon, and gives the Cougars an 8-9-2 overall record.