PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Nov. 7, 2024) - Georgian Court knew they were heading back to the CACC Tournament, but still had a lot to play for heading into Thursday night's match at Chestnut Hill. Knowing a win could lock up the No. 2 seed, but a loss or tie could drop them down in the tight CACC standings, Georgian Court took the Griffins best shot, but scored a late goal to earn the win and the No. 2 seed. The Lions finish the regular season 10-7-1 and 8-3 in the CACC.

How it Happened
• The score was kept close with the Lions missing out on scoring opportunities and the Griffin goaltender doing a great job in net.
• The Lions nearly doubled up the Griffins in shots, 20-11. They also put 11 shots on target while Chestnut Hill managed just two.
• Georgian Court was in the Griffins zone most of the night and earned six corner kicks.
• Foul numbers were high. Chestnut Hill was whistled for 17 fouls and issued six yellow cards. The Lions were booked four times and called for 12 fouls.
• Georgian Court was threatening early, getting a corner kick and five shots off in the first 15 minutes, two on goal.
• It was the fifth one that put GCU ahead. From near midfield, Mikey Mallon spun sent a ball deep to Gijs van Eif who corralled it in the box, made a move on the keeper and put the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.
• GCU was threatening to make it a 2-0 game but Griffin netminder Connor McGrogan made stops on both Mallon and van Eif to keep it a one-score game.
• Chestnut Hill found the equalizer on their first shot on goal. Jimmy Paz found the back of the net in the 40th to tie the match, which is where things stayed at the end of the first half.
• The Griffins continued to live dangerously in the second half with the Lions getting chance after chance but were unable to score.
• The dam finally broke in the 78th minute. A CHC foul gave the Lions a free kick. Mallon lined it up and sent one into the box where the ball bounced around a bit. Oscar Jannesson made a centering feed to Vitor Antelo who one-timed it high into the net for the game-winning goal.
• Georgian Court's defense was strong the rest of the way, allowing just one shot which sailed high over the crossbar.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Gijs van Eif took five shots and scored a goal.
• Vitor Antelo hit the game-winner.
• Mikey Mallon and Oscar Jannesson each picked up an assist.
• Ayendi Batista needed to make only one save to earn the win.

For the Griffins
• Connor McGrogan made nine saves in goal.
• Jimmy Paz scored the Griffins lone goal.
• Santi Linares took a team-high four shots. 

News and Notes
• The win locks up the No. 2 seed in the CACC Tournament for the Lions. It matches their highest regular season finish in program history.
• Georgian Court improves to 6-1-4 all-time against Chestnut Hill. They're now unbeaten in their last four against the Griffins.
• Gijs van Eif is now by himself in fourth place in Lions history for career and single-season points. 
• Robbie Tapp played his 2500th career minute and Jack Pollintine-Smith reached 1000.
• The Lions eight CACC wins also match their most ever in a single season.

Up Next
• By earning the No. 2 seed, Georgian Court will host No. 7 seeded Goldey-Beacom in a rematch from just last week. That game will be played Sunday, Nov. 10 at 1 pm.