BOX SCORE

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LATROBE (Oct. 27) - In a heated game with nine cards and 46 combined shots, the Saint Vincent men's soccer team posted a 2-1 win over visiting Bethany in Presidents' Athletic Conference action.

The win moves the Bearcats to 4-12 overall and 2-4 in the PAC, but most importantly, keeps SVC's hopes at a conference tournament bid alive. If the Bearcats were to win their final two games and get some help, they could sneak in as the league's fourth seed. Bethany falls to 7-10-1 on the year and 2-3-1 in the conference.

Freshman Cody Dean put SVC ahead early with a goal that was assisted by classmate Scott Luthy in the 10th minute.

SVC controlled the game early, recording the first seven shots of the contest over an 11:30 span. Bethany eventually found its offensive groove and the shots ended up with SVC leading 12-9 in the first 45 minutes, but the Bison had several opportunities they failed to convert into goals.

In the second half, Luthy put SVC ahead, 2-0, at the 52:59-mark when he had a breakaway after the keeper came out to challenge him and he buried the ball into the empty net.

Bethany's John Brady answered just 46 seconds later, however, recording what would be the eventual final goal of the game on a touch from out wide from the PAC's leading scorer, Arkangelo James.

Following a moment where SVC keeper Eric Houghton came out to challenge James and the two collided to no call, the cards began to come out. To that point, only two cards had been issued, but James picked up one following the incident and the game became more chippy, but the Bearcats were able to hold on for the 2-1 win.

SVC out-shot Bethany, 26-20, for the game. Luthy led the Bearcats with eight shots, with Dean and sophomore Christian Trueax each posting five. Junior Brody Ruffner added three shots.

Saint Vincent held Bethany's James and Lamine Balde, the top two scorers in the PAC, to just one point. The pair accounted for 13 of the Bison's 20 shots, just three of which were on goal. That was thanks in part to the strong defensive play by senior Luke D'Amico and freshman Sean Ingram who was tasked with covering James for most of the afternoon.

Houghton picked up the win in goal, making seven saves in 90 minutes of action. He played a big part in the momentum of the game, successfully challenging the Bison offense on multiple occasions outside of the box.

SVC returns to action on Wednesday, Oct. 30, traveling to Grove City, who currently sits in third place in the conference, for a 3:30 p.m. match up.