EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Two second half goals by Houston Christian University (8-6-5, 5-2-3 OVC) end the Lindenwood Lions (11-6-3, 6-2-2 OVC) season as they fall in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament semifinals by a final score of 2-0. It marked the first time the Lions had been shutout since early October.

"It is hard to reflect on a whole season right after the game, but our body of work has been incredible," said head coach Kris Bertsch. "These guys are winners and warriors and I am so thankful for them especially the seven seniors who all play a huge role on the team. We just keep transforming the program, but it starts with the guys in the locker room. The men we have in the locker room are great human beings and I express a lot of gratitude to them."

Lindenwood's offense was blanked for only the fourth time this season. LU ends their season with 39 goals which was the most since the 2016 season (52). The Lions had 13 shots on Wednesday which was four more than HCU (9). Lindenwood also had eight shots on goal compared to just two by the Huskies, but HCU scored on their only two opportunities.

Josh Francombe led the way with three shots including one on net. Eight different Lions had a shot on goal as HCU's goalkeeper Alex Atiken made seven saves. HCU had five corners in the match compared to just three by the Lions who had all of theirs in the second half.

It was a quiet first half in Edwardsville, Ill. as both teams headed to the locker room in a 0-0 tie. The Lions led the way with six shots including two on goal by Noe Bijou and John Gates. Francombe also had an opportunity from long distance but missed wide right of the net.
 
Lindenwood's defense pitched a shutout in the first 45 minutes allowing just five shots by HCU with none on goal. Three Lindenwood defenders played the whole first 45 minutes including Bijou, Jermaine Mentoor and Henrique Perestrelo.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Houston Christian finally ended the scoring drought with a goal by Sam Zeeman during the 52nd minute. Lindenwood's offense pushed the pace posting seven shots in the second half, but failed to find the equalizer.

Houston Christian's second goal came in the 80th minute after a corner kick led to a deflection right to Ethan Giwa-McNeil who scoring in the top right of the net on Enzo Gil. The Huskies held possession of the ball for 56% of the time during the match. HCU will now battle the winner between #1 SIUE and #5 Incarnate Word for the OVC Championship.

Lindenwood's season ends with the Lions setting their Division I record in wins (11) and conference wins (6). It marked the most wins by a Lindenwood squad since the 2016 season. The Lions had two first-team All-Conference selections in Ethan Blake and Bijou while also garnering three second team selections: Gates, Gil and Cameron Caldwell.