Box Score BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (Nov. 10, 2023) - Georgian Court Men's Soccer advanced to the CACC semifinals for the first time since 2020. After a thrilling shootout victory in the quarterfinals, Georgian Court fell at the hands of No. 3 and host Bridgeport Purple Knights. Bridgeport scored three in the second half, going up 4-0 before winning 4-1. The Lions season ends at 5-10-5.

How it Happened
• Through the first half the game was evenly played. Bridgeport was in control more towards the end of the half and that's when they struck for their first goal. 
• Just over 30 minutes in, Lapo Romieri sent a cross through the box to Max Kissel who one-timed it back towards the far post and into the net for a 1-0 lead.
• The Purple Knights led in shots 8-3 at the end of the half and 1-0 on the score board.
• In the first 10 minutes of the second half, Georgian Court was creating offensive pressure looking for the equalizer. They spent a lot of time in the offensive zone and had Bridgeport on their heels, but couldn't break through with a goal.
• Bridgeport finally got possession and took advantage. Romieri's shot from the top of the box was stopped by Fabio Krissler. The rebound though went right to Josef Preci who buried it off the deflection and Bridgeport led 2-0.
• Lapo Romieri Not even a minute later, Bridgeport added to their total. The Purple Knights ran through the Lion defense and a soft pass around Krissler found Romieri who had nothing but open net in front of him.
• Down three goals, time was against Georgian Court. They weren't able to hit the back of the net as the minutes ticked off the clock. 
• In the 73rd minute Bridgeport nearly made it a 4-0 game. Romieri again hit the net, but the goal was waved off after he played played it to himself off his hand.
• A minute later the Purple Knights did find that fourth goal. Kissel ran under a lob pass down the right side and flicked it over Krissler's head who vacated his line, off the crossbar and just over the goal line.
• In the final minute of play, Georgian Court scored their only goal of the game. Mikey Mallon's long pass was tracked down by Sam Thombs inside the box. Thombs settled the ball, found a streaking Maurice Engl who one-timed it into the net.
• The goal came with less than a minute remaining and Bridgeport finished out the final seconds of a 4-1 win.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Maurice Engl had the Lions goal.
• Sam Thombs picked up the assist.

For the Purple Knights
• Max Kissell scored twice.
• Lapo Romieri had a goal and an assist.
• Josef Preci also scored.

News and Notes
• In the CACC Tournament, GCU is now 5-6-3.
• They fall to 2-3 in CACC semifinal games.
• Mathias Madersbacher played in his 50th career game and Maurice Engl his 40th.
• Sam Thombs surpassed 4000 career minutes played. 
• Engl has two goals this season, both against Bridgeport and both in the final minute of the game.
• This is the Lions first ever loss to Bridgeport. They are now 2-1-1 against the Purple Knights. 

*Editor's note: as of press time, 10:30 p.m. ET, final stats and play-by-play not available due to technical difficulties.