WEST CHESTER – In a physical battle in the PSAC quarterfinals, the Western Divisions’ No. 3 seeded Lock Haven men’s soccer team fell in a 1-0 heartbreaker to Eastern Division No. 2 seeded West Chester, on the road, on Monday afternoon.

The contest mirrored a boxing heavyweight battle for the full 90 minutes and it seemed destined for overtime. Both schools displayed impenetrable defenses and neither offense was able to break through the opposing 25-yard line to force a good look on goal.

However, West Chester was awarded a penalty kick following a hand ball in the box in the 63rd minute and the Golden Rams made the most of the opportunity to take a 1-0 lead.

Despite a valiant effort from the Bald Eagles in the closing minutes, the lone West Chester goal proved to be the difference as the Golden Rams held on to escape with a 1-0 victory and advance in the tournament.

WCU led the game in shots, 20-12, but held just a slight 7-5 advantage in shots on net. Lock Haven finished with a game-high seven corners, including several in the closing minutes.

Billy Lawrence finished with a team-high three shots on target, while all five of Lock Haven’s shots on goal came from different players. In net, Ethan Beck made five saves in the full 90 minutes.

For Lock Haven, the 2025 season was another building block for the men’s soccer program, who finished the regular season 8-6-4 overall and 4-3-3 in the PSAC West, while reaching the postseason for the first time since 2021, in just its second year back in the Western Division.

West Chester will advance to the PSAC semifinals and take on No. 1 seed in the West Gannon.