The Chapman men's soccer team poses in front of the NCAA signs.

Men’s soccer falls in first round of NCAA Tournament

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Chapman University men's soccer team fell 3-0 to the Trinity Tigers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament earlier this evening. The Panthers earned an automatic qualifier after winning the SCIAC Tournament Championship last weekend.

Chapman came out strong, taking three shots before the seven-minute mark. Junior Ryan Onart ripped off a shot just six minutes in, forcing Trinity goalkeeper Blake Lieberman to make one of his three saves.

The Tigers fought their way down the field, taking six shots before scoring their first goal. Sophomore Jacob Hallenberger received the ball at the top of the box, ripping a left-footed shot into the back of the net. The Panthers rattled off six more shots in the first half but could not capitalize.

Trinity found their groove in the second half, outshooting Chapman 11-5. Senior Austin Michaelis flicked the ball one time off a corner from Hallenberger to put the Tigers up 2-0 in the 69th minute. Eleven minutes later, Trinity added a third and final goal on a penalty kick. Junior Vetle Masvaer Halle converted the penalty, giving the Tigers their final 3-0 lead.

Freshman goalkeeper Chandler Siemonsma tallied six saves before leaving the match in the 62nd minute due to injury. The rookie, who was honored as the SCIAC Tournament MVP, made a huge save on a penalty kick with just under two minutes left to play in the first half. Fellow freshman Jaxson Thornton replaced him, recording two saves in 28 minutes of play.

Onart and seniors Kai Howe and Javier Bernaldo were the only Panthers to test the Trinity goalkeepers and fire off shots on goal. Howe tallied four total shots while Onart added three to the Panthers' 15 total shots.

Chapman ends the 2018 season at 11-8-1 overall and with the first SCIAC Championship in program history. The Panthers graduate six seniors and look to welcome back eight of their starters, including the entire stellar back line.

by Katie Bell
Sports Information Assistant

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