Just in case there was any talk of a letdown by the Lancaster Bible College men's soccer team after Monday's dramatic NCCAA East Region Championship, the Chargers quickly showed they still have plenty of gas left in the tank.

Lawrence Lartey scored 14:15 into Tuesday's NEAC Play-In Game and the Chargers held on for a 2-0 win over Keuka, advancing to the NEAC Semi-Finals. LBC will face host SUNYIT, in Utica, N.Y. on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

Even after the long van ride up to Keuka this morning, the Chargers opened the game well, registering 10 shots in the first half. Lartey's goal came after several minutes of solid play by the Chargers.

"We came out clicking on all cylinders," LBC Head Coach Tom Ardt said. "[Cory] Greiser played well again up top and created some early problems for Keuka."

Because of the back-to-back games, Ardt played more of his bench than usual to get guys some rest throughout the game, but said there was no letdown at all.

"Kevin Forsyth gave us great minutes today, as did the entire bench," Ardt said.

Keuka began to take control of the game in the second half, but could not crack the LBC defense.

"Keuka was much sharper in the second half, but we responded well and kept them at bay," Ardt said. "With about 15 minutes remaining, we dropped back in a more defensive look and protected the lead."

The defensive shift didn't hamper the Chargers' offense however, as they increased their lead to two with 5:15 remaining in the game. Lartey's free kick was tipped by a Keuka defender into the goal to all but put the game away for LBC. LBC's Brandon Wilcox was credited with the goal because he was closest to the ball when it was tipped by Keuka.

Chargers' goalkeeper made nine saves for his third straight shutout and fourth in five games.

"He made all the stops again and is just playing really solid soccer right now," Ardt said.

Ardt spoke after the game of how proud he was of his team's play the past two days.

"It just shows the leadership and maturity of our seniors," Ardt said. "I think they realized how little time they have left to play college soccer and are taking advantage of their last few weeks playing together."

Ardt was also pleased with how the team was able to re-focus their efforts from the East Region playoffs to the NEAC playoffs.

"I'm just very proud of how everyone responded to today's challenge," Ardt said. "We were all in today's moment, not yesterday's."

LBC and SUNYIT met just two weeks ago in Utica and tied 2-2. LBC's Travis Weyandt scored with 4:09 to go to forge the 2-2 tie. Cazenovia and Penn St. Harrisburg will battle in the other NEAC Semi-Final.

Notes:
-The win gives LBC double digit wins for the fourth consecutive season.