ANNVILLE, Pa. (November 4, 2023) - Senior Fritz Kabeiseman scored the games lone goal as the Stevens Institute of Technology men's soccer team defeated #1 Lebanon Valley 1-0 Saturday afternoon in the MAC Freedom Final. Kabeiseman was also named the tournament MVP.
The Ducks (11-2-5) have won the MAC Freedom Tournament for the third year in a row. It is the first goal the team has scored in the final in three appearances, as their other two victories came on PK's. Stevens returns to the NCAA Tournament after making the final four last season. The Ducks will enter the NCAA Tournament unbeaten in their last ten games. Lebanon Valley finishes the season 13-2-4, suffering their first loss since September 6.
The Ducks tested the Flying Dutchmen just three minutes in, as junior Emerico Vespucci had a shot on target that was stopped. Lebanon Valley tested graduate Justin Cross in the 27th minute, but he stood tall and made the save. Stevens had a couple of chances a few minutes later from Vespucci and senior Dylan Maund, but their attempts were stopped. Right before the half, the Ducks were awarded a corner kick, and with just 11 seconds on the clock, Kabeiseman was able to score on an assist from Maund. The Ducks led 1-0 at the half.
Looking to extend their lead, the Ducks had three shots in the first 20 minutes of the second half, forcing just one save out of Lebanon Valley. Down the stretch, graduate Bruno Andino picked up a second yellow card in the 82nd minute after he picked one up in the first, so he was sent off and the Ducks were down to ten men. Lebanon Valley had six shots in the final minutes, forcing two saves out of Cross, as the shorthanded Ducks were able to secure the victory.
Top Performers
- Kabeiseman's goal was his first of the season.
- Maund's assist was his first of the year.
- Cross made six saves.
- The Ducks totaled 11 shots with five landing on target.
The Opponent
- Lebanon Valley had 15 shots with six going on target.
- Dalton Fitterling made four saves.
Up Next: Stevens will be in the NCAA Tournament and will know who they face after Monday's selection show. Time, opponent, location, and date are TBD. Links for live stats and live video will be posted to stevensducks.com
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