CONWAY, S.C. – A first half goal by Kyle Celestine was all that was needed as No. 5 seed Howard defeated No. 4 seed Hartwick in the opening round of the Sun Belt Men’s Soccer Championship Friday afternoon at Coastal Carolina Soccer Stadium.
 
Celestine’s goal came after a save by Hartwick keeper Lenny Wilson, but the ball ricocheted to Celestine’s feet and he converted from pointblank range.   Isaac Mbappe was credited with an assist on the goal that came late in the first half.
 
Howard only managed six total shots, but four of which were on goal.  Hartwick put six of its 14 total shots on goal.  Howard keeper Carlos Caro repeatedly gathered or pushed away shots – frustrating Hartwick forwards for both halves.
 
Howard (2-14-3, 0-3-2 Sun Belt) advances to face No. 1 seed and tournament host Coastal Carolina (10-6-1, 4-1 Sun Belt) at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in the tournament’s semifinals.
 
Saturday’s other semifinal match will see No. 3 seed Georgia Southern (9-7-2, 3-2 Sun Belt) face No. 2 seed Georgia State (11-6-1, 3-1-1 Sun Belt) at 11:00 a.m. ET.
 
All matches will be available for viewing on ESPN3.
 
Stay tuned to www.sunbeltsports.org and the Sun Belt’s Twitter account – @SunBelt – for the latest information.