By Ryan Pickle ‘24, staff writer
The LVC men’s soccer team prevailed in poor conditions against conference foe Delaware Valley in a 4-3 victory at Herbert Field on Saturday afternoon.
The No. 21 LVC men’s soccer team took the pitch on an eventful homecoming after the women’s soccer and football team wrapped up their games. Currently in first place in the MAC Freedom standings, the team was hoping to remain unbeaten in conference play facing last place Delaware Valley.
LVC dominated possession early on. Firing on all cylinders, sophomore forward Nathan Prex scored in the eighth minute to give the team the early lead.
This would not be Prex’s last time finding the back of the net. The sophomore once again scored on a penalty kick in the 28th minute after a yellow card was given to a Delaware Valley player, making the score 2-0.
Delaware Valley picked up some momentum after LVC made some substitutions. This allowed the Aggies to control the ball and score a goal to cut the lead in half in the 38th minute.
LVC punched in another goal scored by sophomore forward and midfielder Ethan Groff in the last minute of the first half to make the score 3-1.
As the teams went into halftime, the rain continued. After a fun halftime show, both teams showed an eagerness to get back onto the field.
In a change of events from the first half, the Aggies came out and possessed the ball for most of the second half.
Delaware Valley answered the LVC dominant first half with a goal of their own in the 51st minute making the score 3-2.
Looking to stay in the game, the gritty Aggies continued to battle with the Dutchmen on a very soft and muddy playing surface.
There would be no change in the score until the 87th minute when the Dutchmen broke away after a turnover by Delaware Valley. Prex passed to senior forward and midfielder Aidan Negron who would put the team’s final goal up on the scoreboard.
The Aggies responded with a goal of their own 14 seconds later on a penalty kick after a yellow card was given to junior forward Aaron Weitzel. This goal turned out to be a moot point for Delaware Valley as LVC held on to secure their 10th victory of the year.
The LVC men’s soccer team still holds the first spot in the MAC Freedom standings and continues to be ranked in the national poll. Their next matchup comes on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at DeSales University at 3 p.m.