Men's Soccer Season Wraps Up with a Tough Loss in NCAA's Opening Round

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. -- Maryville men's soccer saw its postseason run come ot an end Saturday afternoon, falling 3-1 to nationally ranked Emory despite a resilient 90-minute effort at Hellmuth-Gibson Field.

The Scots struck back early after falling in the opening minutes, showing the same fight that had carried them the whole season. Emory found the boarrd first in the 2nd minute, but Maryville answered with composure. In the 16th minute, senior forward Brady Hammer shot the equalizer, slotting home a perfectly timed ball from Ethan Denney to pull the match to 1-1.

The opening half turned into discipline from the Scots. Tanner Ricks set the tone early with a save on Emory's second shot of the day, one his nine total stops in a remarkable postseason performance. Maryville repeated Emory's pressure and entered halftime tied, 1-1.

The second half leaned in favor of the Eagles. A goal in the 46th minute handed Emory the 2-1 advantage, but the Scots refused to fold. The pivotal moment came in the 52nd minute, where Ricks made a penalty kick save to keep the deficit to one. The stop energized the Scots' sideline and delayed Emory's push, until a 58th-minute strike extended the Eagles' lead to 3-1. 

Even with Emory piling up 19 second-half shots, Maryville continued to counter when opportunities opened. Keith McGregor forced a strong save in the 74th minute, one of Maryville's few attacking looks in the final stretch. Defensively, Will Gallaher, Will Brush, and the Maryville back line absorbed wave after wave, turning away multiple chances inside the box and clearing 12 Emory corner kicks of the afternoon. 

Offensively, Maryville finished with five shots, four of which were on target, led by Hammer, Collin Combs, and Gallaher. Denney notched the team's lone assist. Ricks' 10 saves kept the Scots within reach throughout the match.

In the end, Emory's pressure proved just enough, but the Scots showed grit, discipline, and unity that defined their season. Maryville closes the season at 9-4-6, continuing to build momentum under a group that has grown stronger every step of the way.