BEL AIR, Md- In front of a record crowd of 735 roaring fans, the Fighting Owls men's soccer team came through with a huge win to defeat the Essex Knights 2-1. Harford is now 4-5 on the season and 3-3 in conference play while also getting a big Division I victory.

After a tough loss to Hagerstown earlier in the week, the Fighting Owls were in need of a bounce back performance. That was evident from the very start as Larsen Green shot right through the Knights defense and into the box where he was tripped up and earned a penalty kick. Green took the ball to the spot and nailed it into the low corner to score the fastest goal in Harford soccer history at 21 seconds into the game. 

After that goal, the game really took on a frenetic pace as both teams were trying to push their opponents with speed and energy. As the game started to settle in, Essex was able to gain the majority of the possession as the Fighting Owls were forced into their defensive zone. The Knights had numerous great chances in front of the Harford goal, but a combination of the great play from the center defensive pair in Brandon Klepetka and Pat Kiley as well as wasted opportunities by the Knights allowed the Fighting Owls to take a 1-0 lead at halftime. '

With coach Jason Muffoletto playing with just 12 players for almost the whole game, the Fighting Owls showed their incredible stamina as they continued to show a great work ethic. Defensive midfielder Drew Adams made several sliding tackles that cut out great scoring chances as he was under a lot of pressure throughout the game.

It was the 67th minute that the Fighting Owls steadfastness finally paid off as Jerry Washington found some space along the left side of the Knights half. Washington managed to juke his defender and find enough room to pass the ball in the middle to Green, who brilliantly turned the ball inside and took a hard shot into the bottom corner of the net to double the Harford lead.

Perhaps the Fighting Owls were still mentally celebrating as Essex was able to finally break down the Harford defense just 35 seconds later as a cross by Alexander Munley was skillfully volleyed into the goal by Kiarash Livani. 

That would be the first and last time that goalkeeper Tanner Peterson would be beat as his fantastic performance in the game included some highlight saves such as a diving punch out on a header from point blank range. While Peterson was only credited with 8 saves in the game, his ability to cut out crosses and stand strong in the face of constant pressure was a sight to behold.

Ultimately, the Fighting Owls were able to hold out to the delight of the home town crowd as they defeated their cross-town rivals for the first time since 2012.

Harford will only get one day off to enjoy their win before getting back on the pitch as they host Manor on Sunday, September 25th at 2 PM.