The Penn State Harrisburg men’s soccer team has high hopes for this season. After a successful 2021 campaign, the program has a new head coach, Tony Gehman, as well as a roster with over half being new faces.  

Junior midfielder, Luke Myers, said one of the biggest expectations for this season is, “to win the conference, both regular season and playoffs.” While chasing championships and the national tournament, the team is also in the process of creating, “a new culture within the program; one that encourages the ‘Pursuit of We’ and creates a brotherhood between us all.” 

With the goal in mind of getting past the first round of the NCAA tournament, after playing their first five games of the season, the Penn State Harrisburg men’s soccer team is 2-1-2 overall 

The Blue & White began their 2022 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 1, against Alvernia. It was quiet during the first half of the game. It wasn’t until early in the second half that Division I transfer Ethan Cortes put the Lions on the board. Penn State Harrisburg held Alvernia off until the 76th minute when a handball was called in the box. The Wolves did not waste this opportunity; scoring the penalty kick to ultimately tie the game 1-1. 

The Lions again ended in a draw on Saturday, Sept. 3, against Stevenson University. Marc Rogers of Penn State Harrisburg started the scoring early. In just the first 15 minutes of the game, Rogers headed a ball home which allowed the Lions to take the lead. To the Lion’s dismay, late in the second half, the Mustangs responded. 

However, the men’s program bounced back and earned their first win on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Rosemont College. Again, the Lions took advantage of the opportunities given to them in the first half. Ethan Cortes struck once again, finishing a ball played from his teammate Kobe Harris. Just two minutes later, Kobe Harris scored himself off an assist from captain, Luke Myers. Rosemont responded 10 minutes into the second half making the score 2-1. Daniel Fombu added an insurance goal for the Lions in the 78th minute making it 3-1. Rosemont did not give up and earned themselves a penalty kick in the last 2 minutes of the game. However, it was not enough as the Lions won 3-2. 

Captain Luke Myers stated, “Beginning the season with two ties at home was tough… I’m happy we ran into these games early on this season though and have the time to figure it out before conference playoffs start.” 

It’s safe to say the Lions were able to figure things out this past weekend. The Blue & White were on the road once again for the Bryan Karl Tournament hosted by Alfred University in New York. The Lions fell to Medaille 4-2 on Saturday, Sept 10 in what Luke describes as a, “very disappointing loss.” However, it was a quick turn-around for the men’s team as they played Alfred University the next day. Thanks to Daniel Fombu, Jordan Perkins, and Luke Myers, the Lions scored 3 goals. Goalkeeper Richard Lockard made two saves to keep the Saxons off the board. Penn State Harrisburg made the trip home on a high note with a 3-0 win under their belt. 

Luke expressed his excitement for this team, “We have so much potential and we have the ability to dominate games.” While the 2022 men’s soccer team is very young, and is still adjusting to a majority of the team being new, whether they’re first years, or transfers, everyone has stepped up. “From returners to the [first years] and transfers, everyone has stepped into their specific role well. The adjustment to the entire new coaching staff has gone very smoothly too…. The way in which we play has proven to be successful, we just need to play that way throughout the entire game. If we do that,  I believe we will satisfy our expectations and achieve our goals this season.”

The Lions will be able to put what Luke Myers said to test this week when they play at Franklin & Marshall on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 7:00 PM., before kicking off conference play at home against Penn State Abington on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 3:30 PM.