MEN’S SOCCER

The 5th-seeded Huntington men’s soccer team went head-to-head against 4th-seeded Spring Arbor Saturday at the Cougar Soccer Complex in quarterfinal action of the Crossroads League tournament. It was an all-out battle, as is the case every time these two squads square off, that eventually favored SAU 1-0.

Both teams take great pride in their defense and have the numbers to back it. Spring Arbor entered the contest allowing 1.25 goals per outing while HU came into the day giving up 1.27 goals per outing to rank fourth and fifth respectively among their league peers for goals allowed per game.

Defense was certainly on display on this given day. The first half saw both squads fire off four shots each without any luck for a 0-0 stalemate. HU would manage two more shots to the Cougar’s 11 with Michael Procopio’s strike in the 75th minute finally cracking Huntington’s defense and proving the game-winner. It was his goal of the season, the fourth of his career.

“I thought tonight was some of our finest soccer of the year,” said Coach Lawson. “Our mentality from the first whistle was excellent as we had moments of breaking down a strong Spring Arbor side.

“We missed out on putting the ball in the back of the net but I’m very proud of the boys for meeting the challenges of this crazy season head on. Our time together often goes by way too fast and the staff and I are gong to miss this senior class. They have done some amazing things for the green and white!”

James Lighton led a balanced Forester attack with two goals and three assists on the season for seven points. Pablo Garica finished with three goals for six points while four other Foresters in Jordan Morris, Josh Erlandson, Jackson Hunter and Kyle Williams each found back netting twice.

Lawson and crew wrap up the season with an overall record of 6-4-2 which includes a CL record of 4-3-2.