SCRANTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's soccer team closed out its regular season schedule in style on Wednesday afternoon, completing Atlantic East Conference play undefeated with a 2-1 victory at Marywood University to clinch the top seed in next week's playoffs.

Ainsley Reid scored his second consecutive game-winning goal for Neumann, while Andrew Kelly added a goal and an assist in the win. Shane Smith was also solid on the day, making five saves in goal.

The opening 45 minutes of play would be a back and forth affair with both teams creating chances. Neumann's best chance of the half came just over seven minutes into play. Matt Sengphachanh crossed a ball from the right flank that skipped across the box to Brady Simon, who's first touch left footed cracker ripped off the inside of the right post. Marlon Trejo followed up the rebound and got off a shot of his own, but it sailed over the bar to keep the score level at 0-0.

After failing to capitalize on their chances early, the Knights found themselves behind midway through the first frame. After a turnover deep in the Neumann end, Marywood pounced on a loose ball in the box and directed a shot toward Smith. The senior keeper came up with an excellent diving save on the first effort, but the Pacers knocked home the rebound to go up 1-0 heading to halftime.

Knowing that a win would clinch the top seed in the Atlantic East playoffs, the Knights responded with one of their best efforts of the season to start the second half of play. Just a minute and a half into the period, Neumann earned a free kick in the Marywood end and took full advantage. Trejo served in a fantastic delivery into the box that was flicked over the Pacer net-minder by Kelly to level the score at one apiece.

Not satisfied with just a tying goal, the Knights pressed forward for more and used their momentum to find a second goal just seven minutes later. Kelly again played a part in the tally, this time from a long throw. The senior defender's throw midway into the box was glanced on by Daniel Rival before being slammed into the net by Reid from close range to give Neumann a 2-1 win.

From there Neumann's team defense took over. Using tenacious work rate and effort, the Knights limited the Pacers to just five second half shots and zero on goal. The final 35 minutes finished relatively stress free for the visitor's and the team would clinch the first ever regular season Atlantic East Conference title.

Neumann (9-4-2, 5-0-1) will have a bye for the first round of Atlantic East playoffs and will host a semifinal game next Thursday, November 1^st. The Knights will await results from Tuesday's first round matchups to see who they will draw in the semifinal round. Kick-off for the semifinal contest is to be determined.