YORK, PA – In a match-up of top-five squads, the York College men's soccer team saw their 30 consecutive games unbeaten streak come to an end Saturday afternoon, falling 1-0 to visiting Christopher Newport University. The #3 Spartans suffer their first loss since November 17, 2007 when they fell 2-0 to Middlebury in the NCAA Tournament. The Captains, who are currently ranked fourth in the nation, improve their record to 9-1 on the year.

The Green and White came out flat early on, allowing the visitors to control much of the play.

Christopher Newport capitalized on the Spartans lack of intensity in the 16^th minute notching what would prove to be the game-winning tally. Denny Arinello served a corner kick from the left side of the field into York's penalty area. Nao Masuda skimmed on the service to an awaiting Winston Mattheisen. The 6'1” Mattheisen snapped his header into the back of the Spartan net for his sixth score of 2009.

That lead would hold up through the remaining 74:40 of play but not without several quality opportunities from the Spartan side.           

In a showing of sheer athleticism, freshman standout Antonio Bua (Lancaster, Pa./Laupeter-Strasburg) bicycle-kicked a service across the Captain 18-yard box near the 35^th minute of play. York's ensuing header however, went straight up in the air allowing Captain goalkeeper Matt Tengs to harmlessly collect the ball.

Just 2:48 after the halftime break, senior Travis Williams (Springfield, Pa./Springfield Township) posted York's best strike of the afternoon. A free ball found the midfielder's feet and Williams wasted little time before unleashing a screamer toward the low right corner of the Captain goal. As would prove to be the trend for the Green and White on this day, Williams' shot was just off target slipping wide of the right post.

Nearly three minutes later, the York squad had arguably their best chance of the game. Several Spartans provided a great build-up before Jon Ports (Baltimore, Md./McDonogh) nearly registered the equalizer. Unfortunately for the Green and White, that effort would go begging as Tengs came up with a quality save to preserve the 1-0 score.

In the game's 57^th minute, Bua was again involved in another dangerous opportunity. Eric Mackin (Moyock, N.C./Currituck County) provided a great service from the left flank that allowed Bua to snap a header from the far side of the goal. The resulting attempt however, bounded wide of the left post.

The Spartans would push for several more opportunities, including a pair of last minute corner kicks, but to no avail.

On the afternoon, the Spartans led their guests in shots 10-4 while also owning a 7-4 advantage in corners.

Senior goalkeeper Ryan Hock (Brookeville, Md./Sherwood) takes the loss for the Green and White and did not make any saves as the Captains' score proved to be their lone shot on goal. Tengs collects the victory making a trio of saves over his 90 minutes of work.

The Spartans now turn their collective attention to Wednesday, October 7. York will host top-ranked and defending NCAA national champion Messiah in a 4:00 pm clash at Graham Field.

BOX SCORE

Antonio Bua challenges for a header against #4 Christopher Newport Saturday afternoon at Graham Field - photo courtesy of Eric Linsley