LA PLUME, Pa. - The Neumann University men's soccer team continued its hot streak on Tuesday evening, winning its Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) first round playoff game 2-1 at Keystone College.
 
Joe Martinho scored the game-winner for the Knights, while Jake McDevitt also notched a goal in the win. Jon Cobb assisted on both goals for Neumann and Shane Smith made three saves in goal.
 
Neumann would have to find a new formula to win their fifth consecutive game. The previous four matches had ended in shutout wins for the Knights but the hopes of making it five straight would be dashed in the 36^th minute when Keystone converted a penalty kick to make the score 1-0 in favor of the Giants. Neumann responded almost immediately though when Billy Swontek ripped a half volley off the post in the 40^th minute. Despite a few more near misses, the game would head to halftime with the Knights trailing 1-0. Shots at the break were 7-6 in favor of Neumann.

Having had their backs up against the wall for two weeks now, the Knights would not crumble under the pressure of just a one goal deficit. Neumann responded by taking play to the Giants in the second stanza, finally being rewarded in the 57^th minute. McDevitt continued to carry the team offensively, getting on the other end of a Cobb pass and beating his defender before deftly chipping the ball over the keeper's head, off the post and in to level the score at 1-1.

The Knights would continue pushing hard for the winner over the remainder of the half, but were held at bay by a stout Giants defense. Just as it looked as if the game was headed to overtime, Neumann found an extra gear and used it to push itself over the finish line. With under twenty seconds left, the Knights gained a throw in deep in the Keystone end and sent numbers forward. Off of the Jack Norwood throw, a loose ball found its way to Cobb who turned and hit a shot towards the Giants goal. The Keystone keeper made the initial save, but the rebound spilled right to Martinho who buried it home with eight seconds remaining to send the team into bedlam and the CSAC semifinals.

Neumann (8-11) will head to Centenary University on Thursday afternoon riding a wave of momentum into the CSAC semifinals. Kick-off for the semifinal match is scheduled for 2:00 PM. The winner of the match will face the winner of the Cabrini University and Immaculata University matchup on Saturday in the CSAC Championship.