Box Score FRANKLIN, Ind. – For the first time since 2014, there is playoff soccer in the future for the Franklin men's soccer team after the Grizzlies punched their ticket to the 2021 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament on Saturday (Oct. 23).
The Grizzlies (6-8-1, 4-3-1 HCAC) turned in a strong showing against Defiance (8-11, 3-5 HCAC), doubling up the Yellow Jackets in shots in a 2-0 win. The Grizzlies got goals from Van Lian and Jon Moore, with the latter moving into a tie for the most goals in a single season by any Franklin attacker.
How it Happened
The Grizzlies spent the bulk of the first half controlling play, but the game remained scoreless until the final three minutes of action. With 2:12 to go in the half, Lian took a through ball from Jair Moreno on the right wing, ripping a shot just inside the far post for his first marker as a Grizzly.
The Yellow Jackets came out of halftime pressing for the equalizer, but every threat was sent back by a gritty Franklin back line. In the 69th minute, the Grizzlies got a much-needed insurance goal when Moore took advantage of some miscommunication between a Defiance defender and the goalkeeper to net his 10th goal of the year and match Grant Krevda's single-season program record.
Inside the Box Score
-Franklin held a 16-8 edge in shot attempts with both teams putting five shots on target. Moore led all players with four attempts, followed by three shots from Isaac Gleitz.
-Ian Rowe earned the start in goal for Franklin and stopped all five shots against to earn his second solo clean sheet. It capped a big week for the sophomore keeper, as he stopped all 13 shots he faced while earning both decisions.
Up Next
With their spot in the conference tournament locked up, the Grizzlies will play for tournament position in their regular season finale against Transylvania on Wednesday (Oct. 27) night. A Franklin win or draw will secure the number four seed in the HCAC Tournament and an opening round home game at Faught Stadium.
Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
