The LaGrange men's soccer team added another milestone with a 2-0 win over Piedmont on Saturday in the Collegiate Conference of the South Tournament semifinals. The program's first ever conference tournament win propelled the Panthers into the championship game next Saturday at Panther Field against Covenant, a 3-2 winner over Maryville in the other semifinal.
The Panthers improved their season record to 11-4-2. The 11 wins ties the 1988 and 1989 teams for most in a season.
"We didn't play our best attacking soccer but we got the 2-0 result which was the most important thing," said Coach Ryan Dickson. "I feel confident going into the final but we will have to be at our best to get the win. It's been a great season so far but we want to finish on a high note and bring home the championship."
The Panthers did all of their scoring in the first half. Enrique Hernandez got the first goal off an assist from Lucas Duke in the 18th minute. The goal was Hernandez's 21st of the season, breaking the school record of 20 set by Marwan Warrayat in 1985. He also broke Warrayat's 1985 season record of 48 points with the goal. Hernandez has scored 50 points this season.
The second score was the result of an own goal by Piedmont. The defender tried clearing the ball only to head it into the goal to make it 2-0.
Sophomore Andrew Cole faced only five shots in the game and just two were on goal. Cole tied the school season record with his sixth shutout.
The Panthers defeated Covenant 3-2 during the regular season. A time has not been set for the championship game.
