#2 Franciscan 0, #1 Grove City 1

Starting XI
Benjamin James, Colm Corcoran, Augustine Rubino, Andrew Goduti, Anthony Venditti, George Phillips, Lucas Cross, Zachary Muldoon, Aidan Henninger, Jonah Kline, & Goalkeeper - Aiden Miller 

How It Happened 
    For the fourth time in the last five season, the Franciscan Men's Soccer team competed in the PAC Championship. This year's matchup was a rematch of last year's, but the Barons were the visitors, as they head North to Grove City. The Barons lost 4-2 in the PAC regular season matchup at Don Lyle Field, and unfortunately, the Wolverines were victorious in the Championship as well. 

    Each team looked a little nervous to start with not many quality looks in the early going. Then a little over five minutes into it, George Phillips had a great look on a header, but a desperation save from the Grove City goalkeeper prevented the first goal of the game. Ben James then sent an amazing ball into the box where Lucas Cross was taken out and earned his seventh penalty kick of the season. After a medical timeout for the Grove City keeper, Cross went low and left and was stopped to give Grove City some momentum just 12 minutes into this one. Five minutes later, the Wolverines turned that into a goal to take a 1-0 edge. The Wolverines threatened a couple more times this half, but Aiden Miller stepped up big along with rest of the defense to keep the deficit at one at the half.

    Coach Brent Ridenour, the 26th-year veteran, rallied the Barons at half. The Barons had a couple of quality looks in the first 20 minutes of the second half, and Aiden Miller had several outstanding saves to keep the score at 1-0. Each team got fresh legs in the game for the final 10 minutes, as the Barons had to push more and more bodies up on the offensive end. Miller and the defense kept the Wolverines out of the net, as the Barons made their final push with three minutes left to play. They were not able to find the back of the net, as they 1-0 margin held for the full 90 minutes. Grove City earned their first PAC Championship since 2005. 

By the Numbers
- The Barons had more shots on goal, eight to the Wolverines six.
- Franciscan had six corners to Grove City's two.
- Fouls were pretty even, as this came could have went either way.

Who's Next?
Franciscan's season may not be over, as they may earn a spot in the ECAC Championship. They will have to wait and see if they are selected on Monday afternoon. The Barons last played in the ECAC Tournament in 2023. They won their first round match against Pitt.-Greensburg, before losing to Penn State Behrend.

Men's Soccer Fall ID Camp
Franciscan Men's Soccer is excited to offer an ID camp for aspiring college athletes on Monday, November 17th. The camp is open to athletes entering 9th-12th grade this Fall. Participants will have the opportunity to receive training from the Men's soccer coaching staff as well as interact with current players. Campers will participate in Athlete Visit Day in the morning and a typical Franciscan training session in the evening. For more information and to register click here. Campers must also register with Admissions for the visit day here.

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