Senior Andy Harding (Akron/Revere) scored with just under five minutes remaining to lead the Hiram College men’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over host Penn State-Behrend on Saturday evening.
The win gives the Terriers (2-0-0) the Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament title.
Harding’s goal came at the 85:14 mark, when he took a pass from senior Ryan Kramarz(Chesterland/West Geauga) and beat the keeper.
The goal was the first of the season for Harding.
The Lions (1-1-0) got on the board first when Jimmy Belack converted a penalty kick 10 minutes into the game.
HC responded seven minutes later when junior Tanner Mathews (Alliance/Marlington) converted a penalty kick of his own at the 17:57 mark.
Mathews scored two goals in the tournament to take home MVP honors.
After Harding’s goal, the Lions had a chance to tie the game in the closing moments, but the Terrier defense was able to deny the attempt.
Sophomore Chris Lindemeyer (Lodi/Cloverleaf) made two stops in goal for Hiram for his first win of the season.
Penn State-Behrend held a 12-9 edge in shots and a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Hiram will return to action when its hosts St. John Fisher (N.Y.) in the Hiram Tournament on September 5 at 7:30 p.m.
