Dallas, PA — In the frigid conditions at Mangselsdorf Field, the Monarch soccer team withstood a rugged 90 minute test. On the field, the atmosphere was intense, the physicality of the game was near it’s climax.
The atmosphere was unlike any other, fans from both sides were cheering their lungs out. Both sides were loudly supporting their teams and occasionally throwing a jab at the other section.
This was a huge stage for King’s, but they have been here before. The experience of playing at this level showed as they held off Misericordia and had a great showing both offensively and defensively.
The Monarchs had chances early in the game and David Stroh finally came through in the 9th minute. Stroh’s goal electrified the team and the crowd, but Misericordia did not back down.
Instead of just dropping back and sitting on a one goal lead, King’s wanted more. While the main focus was on defense, the Monarchs still put pressure on the Cougars’ goalkeeper, but no real chances accumulated.
Misericordia had a handful of opportunities late in the game and King’s did a spectacular job of fending off the potential goals. Niall Croke showed why he was named Middle Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year as anytime a ball in the air came near him, he used his height advantage to get his head on it and send it away.
King’s goalie Tyler Wilson did a terrific job for the Monarchs, blocking shots and containing the defense from the back. Wilson watched two scorching strikes go right of the net in a span of two minutes. In the 44th, Wilson stopped the ball right in front of the net ending the Cougars pressure.
The second half started with Misericordia pressure that King’s did a great job of fending off goal-scoring opportunities. The Monarchs put pressure on the Cougars right off the bat, getting a corner in the first minute. The Monarchs came out right after break with a mentality to get that insurance goal.
Misericordia finally broke through in the 51st minute with a goal. After that goal, Misericordia rejuvenated themselves and their fans as it looked as the game was slipping away from the Monarchs.
King’s showed signs of frustration after the goal getting two yellow cards called on them. They came back and had an opportunity on the corner. Chris Nygren, who leads the team in assists, played a great ball near the back post where Niall Croke saved the day for King’s with a diving header.
The crowd, a “Monarch Nation” stacked the silver stands in the heat of the night, erupted and the players knew that they were not going to let this game slip away.
A few minutes after the goal, King’s coach Mark Bassett sent Stroh back on the field. Bassett shortened his rotation in the second half, only sending two substitutes who were not in the starting lineup.
Stroh did not play much after his goal early in the first half. Like he did in the first half, Stroh made an instant impact on the game when he recieved a great ball from Nygren, adding his second goal and burying Misericordia.
The Monarchs went up to Misericordia for the third straight season in the conference semifinals and beat them for the third straight year. Once the postseason rolls around the Monarchs have the experience necessary to persevere.
Donny Hopkins covers King’s sports for WRKC Digital, follow him on Twitter @HopkinsDonny or email him at DonaldHopkins@Kings.edu