HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. - The Neumann University men's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 1-0 decision to Centenary University in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) semifinals on Thursday afternoon.
 
Goalie Shane Smith made nine saves in net for the Knights. Christian Cortese led the team with three shots on the afternoon.

The game would open with each team generating quality opportunities. Neumann would get its first great chance to score in the 20^th minute as Cortese whipped in a ball from the left flank that found the foot of a wide open Nick Testa at the penalty spot. The freshman struck a nice ball towards goal, but his shot was parried over the crossbar by the Centenary keeper to keep the game scoreless.

The Knights would keep pressing forward for a goal and found themselves in alone behind the Cyclone backline twice in the half's final 15 minutes, only to see shots by Jake McDevitt and Jon Cobb stopped again by the Cyclone goalie. The game would head to halftime level at 0-0, with Centenary holding an 8-6 edge in shots.

The Cyclones would carry play early in the second half, using their pace to cause problems for the Knights defense. Just 14 minutes into the half Centenary would break through, notching the game's first goal on a quick counter attack. Neumann would continue to battle until the end but despite applying late pressure to the Cyclones goal, the game would end 1-0 in favor of Centenary.'

Neumann (8-12) finishes its season in the CSAC semifinals for the second consecutive season. Losing only two seniors, the young team will look to improve upon its record next year and compete for the CSAC Championship in 2017.