Reading, Pa. (Nov. 1, 2023) - #2 Alvernia University (10-7-1) dropped a 2-1 heartbreaker to #3 Widener University (13-3-2) on Wednesday night in the MAC Commonwealth semifinal at Alvernia. 

Alvernia got on the board first with a goal from Connor Kraycik in the 14th minute. Kraycik made a smart play in Alvernia's defensive zone. The Pride were awarded a free kick and set the ball down and touched it after the referee put the ball back into play. Kraycik recognized the ball was live, stole it, and raced down the sideline before burying a shot in the back of the net to give Alvernia the 1-0 lead. 

Alvernia's lead lasted just under five minutes as the Pride scored the equalizer in the 18th minute. Jordi Lopez gathered a loose ball and tapped it back to Sean Fatiga, who fired on net and tied the game up at 1-1.

Both teams had another shot on goal opportunity in the remainder of the first half, but both goalies made the saves to keep it a 1-1 game.

The game remained locked at 1-1 through the opening 30 minutes of the second half. Evan Solley made four big saves in the opening 30 minutes to keep the Pride from taking the lead. But, Widener broke through in the 77th minute off a quick pass to Monsif Atify, who buried a shot into the upper right corner of the net and just over the reach of Solley to give Widener the 2-1 lead with 13 minutes to play.

Alvernia had two shots on goal in the final 13 minutes, but could not equalize as the Pride advanced to the MAC Championship game with the 2-1 win over the Golden Wolves.

Solley finished with six saves in net for Alvernia. 

The Pride will face Messiah for the MAC Commonwealth title on Saturday, while Alvernia awaits an ECAC bid. The ECAC tournament field will be announced on Monday following the NCAA selection show.