<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Gi0Ci_0wPLrW6G00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Gi0Ci_0wPLrW6G00" width="1920" height="1280" ></figure>Image: WCU’s Jaden Howard in action (photo by Samantha Yothers via wcugoldenrams.com)On Wednesday, Oct. 23, West Chester University’s (WCU) men’s soccer team secured their last at-home win during the regular season. Any additional home games will be contingent upon the Golden Rams seeding in the PSAC and NCAA Tournaments, which commence in November.Peter Tichy, originally from Bethlehem, Pa., opened the scoring for West Chester midway through the first half. Tichy forced a turnover in the midfield and, taking it himself, fired a perfectly placed shot past the Shippensburg goalkeeper, giving the Golden Rams a 1-0 lead.West Chester finished the first half with 10 total shots to Shippensburg’s 4, held a 4-3 advantage in shots on target and had a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Their lead doubled in minute 59 when Owen Slack, originally from Collegeville, Pa., scored off an assist from Devven Frey. The victory against Shippensburg was crucial, as it allowed the Golden Rams to remain comfortably in second place in the PSAC East Division. If West Chester remains the second seed in the PSAC Tournament, they will host an opening-round quarterfinal in mid-November. Furthermore, if the Golden Rams claim the PSAC Eastern Division title, West Chester would receive a quarterfinal bye and hosting rights for the PSAC Championship.Last season, West Chester reached the PSAC Championship Game for the first time since 2018. This was the second time overall under Head Coach Michael Benn. As a result, the Golden Rams qualified for the NCAA Division II Tournament for the fifth time with all five occurrences being led by Benn. Unfortunately, West Chester lost in the second round. The Golden Rams have just a few more games until they complete the regular season. Because all three upcoming opponents are within the PSAC East, the game’s outcomes are crucial in determining the Golden Rams’ seed in the PSAC East. Bloomsburg University, a past opponent, currently leads the PSAC with a 7-1-1 lead; West Chester is right behind them at 5-3. The two teams met during the afternoon of Oct. 19 and stayed neck and neck the whole game. Unfortunately for the Golden Rams, the Huskies took the lead in the second half. The goal at minute 71 was enough to win the game — the Huskies first win over the Golden Rams since 2019. It is indeed possible for WCU’s men’s soccer team to surpass the Huskies in the PSAC East standings. In order to do so, the Huskies must lose both their upcoming PSAC games while the Golden Rams must win all three of theirs. If West Chester manages to pass Bloomsburg, they will secure their first regular-season title since 2018.Anything can happen in these upcoming weeks and the Golden Rams remain positive. It’s easy to stay optimistic, especially since their goalkeeper, Jaden Howard, leads the PSAC East in save percentage: .825.The Golden Rams are in action next on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Millersville. The following week, men’s soccer will travel to East Stroudsburg University for their final regular season game.Sophie Stair is a second year English major with a minor in journalism.</div></body>

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NewsBreak

Men’s Soccer Victorious in Regular Season Home Finale

Image: WCU’s Jaden Howard in action (photo by Samantha Yothers via wcugoldenrams.com) On Wednesday, Oct. 23, West Chester University’s (WCU) men’s soccer team secured their last at-home win during the regular season. Any additional home games will be contingent upon the Golden Rams seeding in the PSAC and NCAA Tournaments, which commence in November.