The Red Devils’ season came to an end this past Sunday after a tough 3-0 loss to Franklin & Marshall in the second round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Tournament. The Diplomats defeated Dickinson in double overtime earlier in the season at the Centennial Conference Championship. The teams were clearly evenly matched and therefore made for a great final game for the Red Devils’ regardless of their inability to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

The first of Franklin & Marshall’s goals was made in the middle of the first half after an attempt by goalie Jeremy Palcan ’17 to deflect a shot into the box on a free kick. The Diplomats took advantage of the disorder around the net and capitalized, scoring a quick three times in a row. The middle goal was scored almost immediately after the first, and the last goal was scored off a header during a free kick play. The times of the three goals were 24:27, 24:59, and 27:21, respectively.

Although the Diplomats were able to shut them out, Dickinson had some very strong attempts on goal. F&M’s goaltender came up with a few higlight saves in order to stop Mena’s multiple shots on goal as well as a few more in the final minutes of the game.

In the first round match, Dickinson played a determined and solid game against Susquehanna in order to pull through with a final score of 2-0. Chris Shultz ’14 made the game-winning goal off an assist from Mena in the box. Mena also assisted second scorer Danny Sheppard ’17 and earned his new title as all-time leader in career assists at Dickinson.

Mena was aware that he needed another assist in order to break the record and that encouraged him to be even more mindful of the open opportunities on the field. Mena not only leads Dickinson in assists at home but in the Centennial Conference as well. Mena and Derek Kachadurian ’14 tied at 7 total assists this season in conference play.

Goaltender Palcan earned the shutout with seven saves and a driven and passionate defensive line.

It was a successful first round win for the Red Devils since they were predicted to fall to the Crusaders. This coming weekend, Franklin & Marshall will face Rose-Hulman who upset #1 in the region, Ohio-Wesleyan, 1-0.

The end of this season also brings a close to an outstanding graduating class that have consistently contributed to the teams overall success. The seniors include Dan Gaj, Kyle Schwab, Shultz, Luca May, Jamie Martin, Mena, and Kachadurian. The majority of these players have been standouts both on the team and in the Centennial Conference throughout the past four years.

The team finishes with a final record of 15-6-1. This is the third consecutive year that the Red Devils have played in the NCAA Div. III championship as well as in the Centennial Conference playoffs. The team has advanced to the CC Championship twice in the past three years.