Chase Gilley’s strike pushes Robert Morris past Milwaukee to earn first-ever trip to Horizon League Final

Photo courtesy Robert Morris men's soccer

The weather conditions weren’t great.

It was a physical match.

Still, Robert Morris men’s soccer team found a way to grind out its first-ever Horizon League playoff win thanks in large part to Graduate forward Chase Gilley who netted the decisive goal in the second half to push RMU past Milwaukee, 1-0, at Oakland Soccer Field in Rochester, MI, on Friday afternoon.

“We’re excited to advance in the Horizon League Tournament. Really proud of our team to find a way to win against a tough Milwaukee team,” Jonathan Potter, RMU’s Head Coach, said after the match.

“We’re excited for the challenge ahead on Saturday.”

The Colonials now advance to the Horizon League Final, where they will face top-seeded Oakland on Saturday, November 16, at 1 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED 

RMU came out strong, firing four shots and earning a corner kick within the first 20 minutes.

Kai McLoughlin received a yellow card in the 22nd minute, followed by Milwaukee’s Mesfin Roda in the 43rd minute.

The Colonials held a firm defensive line, outshooting Milwaukee 5-0 in the opening half.

Lucas Barsoee was shown a yellow card in the 53rd minute as both teams fought for control.

Milwaukee found a chance in the 55th minute, but RMU’s keeper, Josh Lane held firm on the near post.

The first shot on goal in the match is saved by @RMUMSoccer's Josh Lane!

#OurHorizon 🌇| #HLMSOC pic.twitter.com/BAL01MwWLm

— Horizon League (@HorizonLeague) November 14, 2024

RMU created several chances, registering five shots in a four-minute span, including an attempt by Anass Hadran that hit the crossbar.

What a chance for @RMUMSoccer, just off the top bar!

📺: https://t.co/NP5VSohvB1#OurHorizon 🌇| #HLMSOC pic.twitter.com/V5vfXggbWE

— Horizon League (@HorizonLeague) November 14, 2024

Chase Gilley also has a great look in the 63rd minute, but he swung his shot from 12 yards, just wide left.

In the 65th minute, Gilley would find redemption.

After patient build-up — RMU worked their possession into the center of the final third, on the arc of the box, where Lucas Barsoee found Chase Gilley surrounded by a pair of defenders, but still finds room inside right side of box to deliver a shot.  Low shot gets under Milwaukee’s keeper Daniel Ibarra.

GOALLLL⚽️‼️@RMUMSoccer 's Chase Gilley sneaks it in off an assist from Lucas Barsoee, putting the Colonials up 1-0!

📺: https://t.co/NP5VSohvB1#OurHorizon 🌇| #HLMSOC pic.twitter.com/oFbqfpnhLa

— Horizon League (@HorizonLeague) November 14, 2024

Despite tough weather conditions, RMU’s defense held strong, not allowing another shot from Milwaukee in the final 20 minutes.

RMU MSOC MATCH NOTES

• The Colonials led in shots 15-5, with five shots on target compared to Milwaukee’s three.
• RMU earned four corner kicks while the Panthers tallied five.
• Gilley recorded a team-high six shots.
• Key players Fabian Overkamp, Gabe Norris, Victor Koah, Mats Bramer, Lucas Barsoee, Anass Hadran, and Chase Gilley each played the full 90 minutes.
• William Dodzi Afawubo, Logan Gilley, and Kosi Udeh added valuable minutes off the bench.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Josh Lane claimed his eighth win and fifth clean sheet of the season, making three crucial saves in the second half to secure the Colonials’ lead. He now has 45 saves on the year with a .672 save percentage.
• Gilley’s goal marked his seventh of the season, four of which have been game-winners, leading the Horizon League in that category.
• Over his 72-game career, the Denver, N.C. native has 19 goals, 11 assists, and 49 points, including seven game-winning goals.

UP NEXT

RMU will stay in Rochester, Mich. to face No. 1 seed Oakland in the League’s Final — with an automatic berth on the line for the upcoming NCAA Men’s Soccer tournament.

Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM this Saturday, November 16, at Oakland Soccer Field.