LATHAM, N.Y. – The United East crowned its 2026 Men's Soccer Champion on Saturday afternoon as top-seeded Penn State Abington defeated No. 2 Penn State Harrisburg, 2-0, in the conference championship game. The Nittany Lions captured their third conference championship and first since 2018, earning the United East's automatic qualification into the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship.

Penn State Abington (13-4-4) will learn its NCAA Tournament opponent and destination during the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Selection Show on Monday, November 9.

No. 1 Penn State Abington def. No. 2 Penn State Harrisburg, 2-0 (Box Score)

Penn State Abington seized the early momentum, opening the scoring just four minutes into the contest. After earning a corner kick, Amerr Yagoub delivered a well-placed ball to the far post, where Shane Lachawiec rose to meet it. Lachawiec redirected a header past the Penn State Harrisburg goalkeeper to give the Nittany Lions an early 1-0 advantage. The assist was Yagoub's 15th of the season, the most by any player in NCAA Division III this season.

Penn State Harrisburg looked to respond, generating several scoring opportunities throughout the opening half. Kristopher Lage and Addis Tafese each put shots on target, but Abington goalkeeper Hector Ortiz turned away both attempts to preserve the lead. On the other end, Harrisburg goalkeeper Jimmy Shensky made several key saves to keep the Lions within striking distance.
Abington carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime despite Harrisburg holding a slight 7-6 edge in total shots. Both teams recorded three corner kicks during the opening 45 minutes.

The Lions came out aggressively in the second half, looking for the equalizer. Harrisburg generated several scoring opportunities, including shots on goal from Josiah Shamberger in the 47th and 55th minutes. Ortiz continued his strong performance in net, denying both attempts to maintain the one-goal advantage.

In the 70th minute, Penn State Abington doubled its lead when Joe Mahon connected with Nick Lachawiec, who found the back of the net to extend the Nittany Lions' advantage to 2-0.

Harrisburg continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the closing minutes, but the Abington defense held firm, securing the shutout victory and the conference championship.

Penn State Harrisburg finished with a 21-14 advantage in total shots, while Abington held an 8-7 edge in shots on goal. Both teams recorded four corner kicks. Ortiz finished with seven saves to earn the shutout, while Shensky recorded five saves for Harrisburg.

With the victory, Penn State Abington completed its conference championship run after posting a perfect 8-0 regular-season record in United East play, followed by three postseason victories. The Nittany Lions outscored their three tournament opponents 8-1 en route to the championship.

Penn State Abington defender Shawn Dixon was named the 2026 United East Men's Soccer Championship Most Valuable Player. Dixon anchored the Nittany Lions' defensive unit, playing all 90 minutes of the championship contest and helping Abington secure the shutout victory.

For more information about the 2026 United East Men's Soccer Championship, click HERE.
 

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