HAWKS END REGULAR SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE

The Hawks men's soccer team made it 2 wins in a row, and 5 wins in their last 6 to finish the regular season with a 5-4 win at Penn State Mont Alto. In those 5 wins the Hawks have hit the back of the net 22 times. The Hawks started off slow, giving up a deflected goal in the first minute to the fired-up Nittany Lions. The Hawks responded quickly though, missing several close chances before Carlos Pazos beat several defenders in the box and placed a perfect pass to the back post for Ben Rankin to nod home. The Hawks continued being the aggressor, repeatedly pelting the Mont Alto goal before they were caught on a counter against the run of play and another deflected goal made it 2-1 for the home side in the 23rd minute. The Hawks again responded quickly and evened the game again as Ben Rankin found the head of Matt Downs off of a well-placed free kick. The Hawks would then find a 3rd goal before half time when Jacob Boyd struck a beautiful volley from long distance into the upper corner. After the break the Hawks started the 2nd half where they left off the 1st scoring 2 goals in the first 10 minutes. For the 1st goal, Carlos Pazos found Ben Rankin for his team leading 10th goal of the season. The 2nd goal was a great team goal with the ball being moved well before Jacob Boyd and Ben Rankin combined well down the left side to get into the box. Rankin then played a great ball to the back post for Ethan Fulton to place a splendid 1-time volley into the net. Pazos and Rankin had a hand in all 5 goals on the day. This gave the Hawks a 5-2 lead until late in the 2nd half when the defense conceded 2 late goals. In the end the Hawks held on for the win, finishing the regular season with a record of 10-8. Pazos and Rankin have combined well over the final weeks of the season, leading the teams attack on goal, and making themselves number 1 and 2 for assists in Region 20. The Hawks next game will be the regional semifinal on October 30th vs the Harford Owls. Time of the match has yet to be determined. 

For full stats visit https://athletics.hagerstowncc.edu/sports/msoc/2024-25/boxscores/20241023_yvkc.xml