Box Score FRANKLIN, Ind. – For the first time in program history, the Franklin men's soccer team hosted post-season play in a Saturday (Oct. 30) night matchup with the Defiance Yellow Jackets in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament.
The Grizzlies (7-9-1) fell behind the Yellow Jackets (10-11) early and spent the rest of the night playing catch-up. Thomas Samuel and Van Lian both found the back of the net for the Grizzlies but their comeback bid fell short in a 4-2 defeat.
How it Happened
Disaster struck earlier for the Grizzlies, with Defiance scoring three times in opening 27:03. Franklin got back within a pair in the 30th minute, when a Defiance foul in their 18-yard box led to a penalty kick that Samuel stuck home for his second of the year and first career home goal. Franklin would make a push before halftime before heading into the break down by a pair.
Defiance put the game out of reach with a 59th minute goal. Down two players due to cards, Lian buried a free kick from 25 yards out to cut into the Yellow Jacket lead again and cap the scoring.
Inside the Box Score
-Shots for the night were 13-11 in Defiance's favor. Four different Grizzlies notched two shot attempts on the night.
-Senior Elliott Clark finished with four saves in goal. He was one of four seniors suiting up for the final time along with Samuel, Zach Tutrow and Angel Tapia.
