Franklin, Ind. – The Transylvania men's soccer team conceded two late goals in a 2-0 defeat against the Franklin College Grizzlies in its fall 2021 regular season finale on Wednesday night at Faught Stadium.
The loss drops the Pioneers to 5-8-2 overall and 3-5-1 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchups. The win moves the Grizzlies to 7-8-1 overall and 5-3-1 in conference play.
The Pioneers looked to end their regular season with positive momentum as they pressured the Grizzlies early. Henry Roetker and Max Nusbacher came close to opening the scoring but were denied by the Franklin goalkeeper. The first half ended scoreless at 0-0 with the Pioneers controlling the offensive pace on an 8-2 lead in total shots.
Transylvania continued to press the Franklin defense in the second half as Mitchell Crispin forced the Franklin goalkeeper into action with another save in the 63rd minute. Franklin found the opening and go-ahead goal in the 74th minute after the Grizzlies pounced on a loose ball in the box for a 1-0 lead.
Alec Coomes nearly found the equalizer in the 76th minute but was denied as the Grizzlies immediately struck again on the counterattack in the 79th minute to secure the 2-0 victory.
By virtue of a seventh place finish in the HCAC standings, the Pioneers' season came to a close on Wednesday evening.
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