Penn (4-8-1, 1-5 MCC) trailed 2-0 entering the second half, including a goal in the final 12 seconds before intermission, but did not fold up their tents and go home.

Instead, the home team battled the Saints (12-0-2, 4-0-2 MCC) in an evenly-matched second half and actually cut the deficit in half in the 57th minute when Nik Rule (Sr., Idaho Falls, Idaho, Skyline HS) put home a ball passed by Vince Beseau (Sr., Florissant, Mo., Hazelwood Central HS).

Rule now leads his squad with ten goals. It is the second time in his career that he has reached double figures in goals in a single season (also with 13 goals in 2006). Beseau now has two assists this fall.

The Statesmen continued to pressure visiting Ashford, but in all the excitement of possibly forcing overtime with another goal, Penn gave up a goal of its own in the final two minutes and the upset bid was thwarted.

Penn was outshot just 20-13, including four via Rule and three from Beseau.

Tadeo Cavazos (Sr., Baytown, Texas, Lee HS) recorded eight saves against the trio of goals allowed.

Next: Penn stays at home Saturday to host St. Ambrose in MCC play at 7 p.m.