The Lancaster Bible College Men's Soccer team kicked off the 2026 Fall season for the college on Tuesday afternoon as they hosted Pitt-Greensburg for their season opener, falling by a score of 2-1. The Chargers begin the year at 0-1 overall while the Bobcats start off at 1-0 overall after the road win.
How it Happened:
Starting goalkeeper Micah Dressler (So.) made a save in the first two minutes to prevent an early Bobcat surge, then the Chargers responded a few minutes later as Riley Bills (Fr.) took a shot that missed high. Derek Rhine (Sr.) then had a shot off a run, followed by another LBC attack that saw Bills fire a shot off the crossbar. After the teams traded possession, the Bobcats struck at the 24-minute mark on a cross from the left side for a header, taking the first-half lead. The Chargers mustered a corner kick down the stretch with three more shots as well, but none could find the back of the net as the Chargers trailed 1-0 at the halftime break.
Both teams had a shot early in the second half that missed, then the Chargers broke through in the 54th minute as Silas Dellaperute (Jr.) punched in a goal from the left off a through-ball from newcomer Jeremy Lee (Fr.) for the equalizer and their first goal of 2026. Several cards were distributed as the game picked up and both teams earned a pair of corner kicks over the next 20 minutes, but Pitt-Greensburg was able to strike as they broke free for another score to take a 2-1 lead. Two shots came from the Chargers down the stretch, but they could not muster another goal as they fell at home to open the year.
By the Numbers:
Team Stats
- Shots: Pitt-Greensburg 5, Lancaster Bible 16
- Shots on Goal: Pitt-Greensburg 4, Lancaster Bible 4
- Corner Kicks: Pitt-Greensburg 4, Lancaster Bible 3
Scoring Summary
25' UPG – Ethan Rose (1) [Jake McClintock (1)]
54' LBC – Silas Dellaperute (1) [Jeremy Lee (1)]
81' UPG – Matt Armenio (1) [Cam Loveland (1)]
Goalkeeping
- Nick Braun (UPG): 3 Saves, 1 GA, WIN (1-0)
- Micah Dressler (LBC): 2 Saves, 2 GA, LOSS (0-1)
Information to Know:
The Chargers are now 1-2 all-time against Pitt-Greensburg with this being their first matchup with the Bobcats since 2009. Lancaster Bible is now winless in their last four season openers and has lost their past three dating back to 2024.
Up Next:
The Chargers remain at home on Friday, September 4 as they host Lebanon Valley for a non-conference match at 7:00 p.m. in Lancaster, Pa.
