The men’s soccer team wrapped up regular season conference play last Thursday after falling 1-0 against Indiana University (IU) East on the road.

Point Park entered the contest with a five game unbeaten streak under their belt. This streak stretched the entire month of October and started on Sept. 29 with a 1-1 tie to West Virginia Tech University. During this stretch, Point Park outscored their opponents 16-4.

Point Park however struggled to find offense last Thursday as the team only registered one shot on goal which came with 8 minutes, 26 minutes remaining in the game. Sophomore Ricardo Merced took a shot off the crossbar but was unable to find the back of the net. That night, the Pioneers only registered six total shots.

While the offense was lacking for much of the night, the game remained tied until the 41st minute.

IU East’s Dumi Kumwenda was fouled in the box by Point Park goalkeeper Ryan Daniels. Kumwenda took a penalty shot and placed it in the right side of the net to give IU East the 1-0 lead.

The Pioneers received three yellow cards last Thursday. Merced, Senior Andre Bennett and senior Ricardo Dip all received a card in the first half.

Through the month of October, the Pioneers only allowed 5 goals against. Senior Dip was recently recognized as River States Conference (RSC) defensive player of the week during this streak.

During Point Park’s conference wins against Midway University and Asbury University earlier this season, Dip played every minute of each contest.

On the offensive side, Point Park has seen the most offensive production from sophomore Geert Bijl who has scored eight goals for the team thus far. 

As of now, Point Park is tied at third in the RSC with Asbury with a 5-3-1 record. Above them is West Virginia Tech University in second and undefeated Rio Grande in first place.

Rio Grande currently has not given up a goal in conference play all season. Point Park is ranked third best in goals against in conference play with 5 given up all season, averaging to one per game.

The Pioneers take on Washington Adventist University Wednesday at home to conclude the regular season.

Rio Grande and WVU Tech will receive a bye to the first round of the RSC playoffs while Point Park will take on Brescia University Saturday in the RSC quarter finals championship at a site later to be announced.