Rachel Nava
Staff Writer
The men’s soccer team lost 3-1 against the Bethany College Bison in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship Saturday at 7 p.m.
This was the first time the team qualified for the PAC Championship since leaving the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.
Hundreds of fans of both teams filled the bleachers and crowds of Franciscan University of Steubenville students filled the hillside next to Trinity Health System Field to watch the showdown.
At the start of the game, both teams maintained a tight defense until almost 30 minutes in. After that time had elapsed, however, Bethany scored their first point from a penalty kick.
Within about a minute of their first score, Bethany scored a second time, making the tally 2-0.
The teams finished the first half with no more points on either side.
In the second half, sophomore defense Justin Fioramonti scored the Barons’ only point of the game, making the score 2-1.
The crowd of Franciscan students cheered loudly throughout the game with chants of encouragement in support of the Barons.
After this, the Barons fought hard to keep Bethany from scoring but they made a last point near the end, making the final score 3-1.
Head coach Brent Ridenour said, “I’m so proud of everyone on the team for a great season. It didn’t end like we had hoped, but give credit to Bethany for playing a great game. We have raised the level of expectation for Franciscan men’s soccer.”
Student Government hosted a Baron Blast near the turf field prior to and during the game, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and serving chips to spectators.
This game marked the end of the Barons’ 2021 fall soccer season.