Hagerstown loses to nationally ranked CCBC Essex 7-0

Hagerstown Men's Soccer hosted CCBC Essex yesterday aftenoon at Hawks Field.  The Hawks entered the game, despite knowing they were starting the game under manned at 10 against the #2 nationally ranked Knights (NJCAA Division II).  

The Knights began a run of goals in the 5th and 9th minutes of the game.  Despite giving up a few early goals, HCC showed tremendous fight throughout the first half.  Unfortunately for HCC, another injury in the 25th minute reduced Hagerstown's squad to 9 men for the remainder of the game.  

Essex's All-American, Toga Katsuma, capitalized on HCC's misfortune scoring back-to-back goals at the 26th and 33rd minute. A fifth goal was scored in the 38th minute of the first half. Hagerstown's goal keeper, Nicholas Profilio, had a second solid game in the net making 15 saves against 22 shots on goal, some at point blank range.   

Despite the result, first year Hagerstown Men's Soccer Head Coach, Whitney Minnis, saw some bright spots.  "We played the number two team in the nation with 9 players against their 11, a full bench, and only conceded 2 goals in the second half!  I'm very proud of our efforts and sportsmanship in the game.  Once we begin to get players healthy, we'll start to see some results worthy of our level.  Right now we're young, going through growing pains and adapting to a new system and higher level of play."  

Hagerstown Community College "Man of the Match" was Antony Catarino.  Antony was matched up against All-American forward Toga Katsuma, many times left in isolation with little or no help, and he battled the full 90.