The Misericordia University men's soccer team punched its ticket to the 2024 MAC Freedom Championships with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Arcadia in their conference matchup, Tuesday night at Mangelsdorf Field.

Drew Weaver tied the match at 84:58 and Richard Billings scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute.

Trailing 1-0 as time ticked down, MU increased its pressure in the offensive third and Anthony Yarabinee sent an arcing ball towards goal that found the foot of Weaver in front where he chipped a shot inside the left post.

Not satisfied with a tie, Misericordia jumped right back on the attack and Elijah Uray stepped into a shot from roughly 28 yards out that narrowly missed the crossbar in the 88^th minute.

With less than 1:30 remaining, Patrick Sipera charged towards the goal and threaded a pass to Billings, who was battling with an Arcadia defender for positioning in front of the net. Billings planted his left foot and delivered a one-timer that squeaked by the keeper's right side to give MU the late 2-1 lead at 88:41.

Both teams were methodical with the ball in the early stages, careful to avoid costly turnovers.

The Cougars' first scoring chance of the night came in the 28th minute following an Arcadia foul at the top of the box. On the free kick attempt, Stevan Patino fired a shot that sailed just above the crossbar.

As the first frame neared its end, Ahmad Neama prevented the Knights from taking a lead with a crucial blocked shot.

Santino Jannotte received his first test of the evening at 48:33 as he denied a header from in close.

In the 51st minute, Neama came up clutch once again on defense with another blocked shot shortly after a free kick. 

Jannotte contributed to MU's stellar defensive play at 54:55, making a spectacular diving save to his left on a screaming shot that was destined for the back of the goal. 

Following the save, Arcadia was awarded a corner and scored to take a 1-0 lead at 55:29.

In an attempt to level the score, Patino ripped a shot from the far side that found its way through traffic before striking the side netting to the right of the goal.

Misericordia put together another quality scoring chance in the 67th minute when Max Jamieson collected the ball in close range and sent a shot towards goal that was headed away by a Knights' defender.

Jannotte kept the Cougars within striking distance with a diving save to his right to deny Arcadia on a free kick from the top of the box at 80:56.