HOBOKEN, N.J. (Sept. 28, 2016) – The Widener University men's soccer team suffered a 2-1 loss to Stevens on Wednesday evening at the De Baun Athletic Complex. The Ducks, who have made 13 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, scored a pair of goals less than two minutes apart in the first half to earn the non-conference victory.
 
After a Tommy O'Keefe (Lutherville, Md.) corner kick attempt on a set piece was successfully blocked and cleared away, Stevens (4-3-1) scored two quick goals to move ahead. Patrick Masur capitalized on a penalty kick which was awarded as a result of a Pride hand ball inside the box in the 13th minute and then set up Jay Mikula with a cross from the right side just 1:43 later to put the Ducks firmly in control.
 
Despite the slow start, the Pride regrouped during the break and began an attempted rally in the second half when sophomore Kevin McKenna (North Wales, Pa.) headed home a long pass which came from classmate Justin O'Brien (Carlisle, Pa.). The strike in the 53rd minute sliced the deficit down to a single goal.
 
Widener tried to utilize the marker as a spark and spent more time in its offensive third. The Ducks defense, however, would not allow the visitors to attempt another shot and a Pride corner kick opportunity in the waning minutes was cleared successfully to help the hosts escape with the one-goal win.
 
Stevens netminder Mitko Bozinov picked up the victory without having to make a save. The Pride's Dave Sousa (Springfield, Pa.) turned away six shots in the setback.
 
Widener (2-6-1) will look to get back on track when it hosts Stevenson in the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth opener for both schools on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m.