LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East crowned a men’s soccer champion on Saturday afternoon as Penn State Harrisburg defeated Penn College on the campus of Penn State Harrisburg. With the win, Penn State Harrisburg has earned the automatic qualifier to the upcoming NCAA Championship.
Penn State Harrisburg will learn their host location and future opponent during the NCAA Selection Show which would air on Monday, November 10th at 11:30 a.m. on NCAA.com.
No. 2 Penn State Harrisburg def. No. 5 Penn College, 3-0 (Box Score)
Penn State Harrisburg struck first in the United East Championship final, capitalizing on an early opportunity after a Penn College foul. Addis Tafese converted the ensuing penalty kick to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. Penn College nearly answered in the 16th minute when Robert Antonini connected on a header, but the shot sailed wide. Harrisburg continued to press offensively, recording two quality looks in the 28th minute in search of an insurance goal, but couldn’t extend the lead.
At the break, the Lions held a 6-3 edge in total shots, including a 3-1 advantage on goal. Penn College recorded two corner kicks to Harrisburg’s one, while Wildcats goalkeeper Justin Crismale made two saves to keep his team within reach.
The pace intensified in the second half as both sides searched for momentum. Harrisburg finally broke through again in the 76th minute when Liam Gohn found the back of the net off an assist from Aidan McWilliams to extend the lead to 2-0. Just four minutes later, the Lions struck once more as Josiah Shamberger finished a feed from Cole Isaacs to put the game out of reach.
Penn College continued to battle but was unable to break through against a disciplined Harrisburg defense. The Lions finished with a 13-5 advantage in total shots, including an 8-1 margin in shots on goal. Crismale tallied five saves for the Wildcats, while Harrisburg secured its shutout and the United East Championship title.
Byron Hines was named the MVP.
For more information about the 2025 United East Men’s Soccer Championship, click HERE.
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The United East boasts 14 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.