#2 Franciscan 2, # 5 Bethany 1

Franciscan Starters 
Chris St. George, Benjamin James, Joseph St. George, Joshua Atkinson, Lucas Cross, Augustine Rubino, Aidan Henninger,  Ryan Miller, Dominic Doyle, Benjamin Hajduk & Goalkeeper - Jax Mautone  

Bethany Starters
Lopez-Ogawa, Bruni, Arrocain, Gionchetti, Christian, Faye, Foday, James, O'Garro, Cordice  & Goalkeeper - Salihovic

How It Happened 

The Franciscan Men's Soccer team defeated the Bethany Bison in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) title game by a score of 2-1 at Trinity Health System field on Saturday. The win gives the Barons their first conference championship in program history to earn their first trip to the NCAA National Championship. 

A brief downpour pregame and cloudy skies did not stop the lively crowd from cheering on the Barons and filling the stands while wearing all white. The energetic fans from both teams enhanced the high-stake event. The Barons threatened early and looked locked in right out of the gate. Both teams exchanged runs dribbling the ball back and forth downfield with ensuing defenders battling for control of the ball. The Bison threatened late in the first half, but their runs were ineffective due to the athletic skills of goalkeeper Jax Mautone.

As the back and forth continued, the Barons struck the net first with a penalty kick to the right in the 39th minute by the star veteran midfielder, Nick Miller. The Barons would then strike again as the final seconds were running out in the first half. Midfielder Kolbe Rice scored a goal low left off an assist by defender Liam Nagle and Mikey Irvin after the ball bounced around in the box off a Franciscan corner kick. The Barons were riding a 2-0 lead as time expired against their bitter conference rival from across the Ohio River.

As the second half got underway, much of the same game ensued. However, this time the Bison came out of the break with extra burst. They looked determined to answer the score, but this did not phase the Barons until the Bison scored in the middle of the second half. With the lead being cut down to just one, the Barons had to answer the Bison's energy. Both teams kept making runs up and down the field as minutes were ticking and time was running thin. The Bison had opportunities to score late in the second half but thanks to the late game heroics of goalkeeper Jax Mautone and good clock management by the Barons, the game was well in hand.

The crowd was cheering loudly and the clock winding down. Victory came for the Barons after a well fought season. While fireworks lit the sky, the crowd stormed the field to celebrate with the Barons running out to meet them.

After the game the PAC announced the All-Tournament Team. Nick Miller was named Tournament Most Outstanding Player with Liam Nagle and Augustine Rubino joining him on this distinguished team.

Inside the Numbers  
-Nick Miller scored his sixth penalty kick of the season. He became the third player in program history to reach 90+ points in his career.
- Kolbe Rice scored his first game-winning goal of his career.
- Liam Nagle and Mikey Irvin each registered their fourth assist of the season
- Mautone picked up his 23rd win between the pipes for Franciscan, which ties his with Thomas Dosedel for second most in program history.
- Head Coach Brent Ridenour claimed his eighth conference championship of his career, as he will make his ninth trip to the NCAA National Tournament this season.

Who's Next? 
Franciscan will make their first NCAA Tournament Appearance, as they will hear their name called during the selection show this coming Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET on ncaa.com. The PAC is one of 43 conferences granted automatic qualification (Pool A) to the Division III Championship. First and second round matchups are scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13.

Men's Soccer ID Camp
Franciscan Men's Soccer is excited to offer an ID Camp for aspiring college athletes on Sunday, November 20th, 2022. Participants will have the opportunity to receive training from the men's soccer coaching staff, as well as interact with current players. Players will participate in a typical Franciscan training session and gain an understanding of the competitive and challenging environment of collegiate athletics. For more information click here

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