UTICA, N.Y. -- In their final regular season contest, Houghton men's soccer did what they had to do to get a postseason berth, earning a thrilling 4-3 win over Utica University on Saturday. However, the Highlanders didn't get the help they needed in other contests around the conference, leaving Houghton on the outside looking in.

The Pioneers scored on a PK to open the scoring in the 20th minute and the teams played evenly throughout the first half, combining for 12 shots (8 for Utica, 5 for Houghton).

The pace picked up in the second half and the floodgates opened in the 70th minute as the teams combined for six goals over the final 20 minutes.

GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton 4 | Utica 3
Location: Utica, N.Y. | Pioneer Field
Attendance: 141
Records: Houghton 5-11-2 (3-4-2) | Utica 7-8-1 (4-4-1)

DETAILS
>> The Highlanders fell behind early again as they surrendered their 8th PK of the season to the opposing team.
>> Still down 1-0 in the 70th minute, Houghton found the equalizer off an Iann Dominic 20 yard direct kick that found its way past the wall and the outstretched arms of the Pioneer keeper.
>> Andy Loomis put Houghton up 2-1 when he bent in a corner kick just inside the far post in the 75th minute
>> The lead stretched to 3-1 on another Loomis goal just one minute later, this time the junior ripping a curling 20-yard shot from the right that found the upper left corner.
>> Things started to get more interesting in the 85th minute when the Pioneers put in a free kick from outside the box. Then they knotted the score at 3 just three minutes later.
>> With the time slipping away, freshman Carter Benham picked up a loose ball in the box and volleyed home the game winner in the 89th minute.
>> Despite the win, the Highlander just missed out on a postseason berth and finished with a 5-11-2 overall record and a 3-4-2 mark in E8 play.

NOTABLE STATS
>> Shots finished 17-12 in favor of the Pioneers
>> Corners were 9-5 for Utica
>> Loomis finished with a team-leading three shots
>> Joshua Ludolph made three stops in net

COACH'S CORNER
I'm really proud of how the guys played this week. They knew they had to win both games to have a chance at playoffs and they did it. The team showed a lot of character to get the win today. Our senior group leaves the program in a better place on the field and have played a big part in maintaining a really strong culture. They have left a lasting legacy on the program. -- Head Coach Bobby McColl

UP NEXT
The Highlanders' season is complete.