MEN’S SOCCER

Tiago Costa’s tap-in with just over two remaining lifted the Huntington men’s soccer team past #14 Indiana Tech 2-1 Wednesday afternoon at King Stadium. The win is HU’s biggest victory over a ranked opponent since the program’s 1-0 decision over Spring Arbor for the 2019 conference tournament championship.

Alex Ohonovskyi set up the game winner when he turned his defender in the box and then squared the ball to Costa for the easy finish.

While nothing could top the dramatic finish, the first half had its own bit of flare. Higor Barbieri got his head on a ball served in by Nathan Lemmon 13 minutes in to give the Foresters an early advantage. The lead held  until just before halftime when a ball ricocheted off an HU defender for an own goal, much to the dismay of Lawson and crew, for the 1-1 deadlock.

“I thought we came out strong in the first half and created some good opportunities while keeping them at bay,” said Coach Russ Lawson. “With Indiana Tech being a quality side, they got to us at the end of the half and unfortunately it led to giving up an own goal.

“We made several adjustments at halftime, and I was proud of the guys for how they executed and the shift they put in. They worked hard today. It was great to see them get rewarded in the end.”

The hosts finished with 15 shots, 11 on target, to Tech’s 12, half of which were on frame. Pedro Moreira was sensational in net for HU, finishing with five saves, to notch the win.

The win moves the Foresters to 5-2 on the year while the Warriors drop to 1-1-3. Tech has faced four Crossroads League foes so far this season having tied both Grace and IWU at 0-0 and beaten Goshen 2-1.

HU travels to IU East on Saturday for a matchup with the Red Wolves at 4:00 p.m.