WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College's men's soccer team's NAIA Tournament ended in the second round at the hand of William Penn on Saturday night.

The Lancers (13-6-3) were tied at halftime but two second half goals from the Statesmen were enough to put Grace on the wrong end of the 2-0 decision.

The Statesmen carried play early in the contest. William Penn held the majority of possession and had three shots in the first ten minutes, although none of them made it on target.

The game then turned into a physical midfield battle. Neither side was willing to give ground easily forcing slow and methodical builds toward attack.

With 19 minutes left in the opening half the Statesmen had another shot but it sailed wide of goal.

The Lancers had the best chance of the match in the final two minutes of the frame. Diego Yanes made a long run on goal and sent a well-struck ball towards the net but the William Penn keeper made a diving save to keep the game tied at zero.

The Statesmen had  4-1 advantage in shots and a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks in the first half. Grace committed 12 fouls to William Penn's three.

As the second half got under way it was the Lancers offense who created the first chance with a flurry of shots.

Mateus Pereira and Yanes both had shots off target and then moments later the Lancers nearly struck again. This time it was Sebastian Lozano who forced an acrobatic save from the keeper and the rebound fell to Juan Garcia who was miraculously denied a goal but another dramatic save.

Yanes then had a shot miss wide and moments later Willian Penn struck on a quick counter attack to edge ahead 1-0.

With 30 minutes to go Felix Voigt tried to strike back for Grace with two shots in close order but neither found their target.

William Penn was sound defensively, denying the Lancers offensive attacks, allowing just one shot over the next 20 minutes. With nine minutes left William Penn scored again to take a stranglehold on the game.

Joao Parreira had the Lancers last chance of the game in the waning moments but his shot sliced wide and as the Lancers were unable to comeback and fell 2-0.

Grace was out shot 16-10 and didn't have a corner opportunity compared to William Penn's five. Both goalies made three saves and the Lancers were whistled for seven more fouls.

Grace's season will continue at the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimee, Florida. Tournament play will start on December 1st.