Tim DiBisceglie	Michael Bergen

Box Score

Photo gallery (by Dan Ceccacci)

SCRANTON, Pa. - The University of Scranton men's soccer team opened Landmark Conference play for the year on Saturday, and after battling Susquehanna for 110 minutes, the Royals and Crusaders ended in a 1-1 draw at Fitzpatrick Field.

With the result, Scranton went to 3-3-1 on the year (0-0-1 in the Landmark), while Susquehanna went to 5-3-1 overall and 1-0-1 in the Landmark with the draw.

The match was also Scranton's annual Red Card Cancer event, in which money was raised to help cure cancer.

After a scoreless first half that saw both teams fire four total shots, apiece, Susquehanna caught a break a mere minute into the second half, as a Scranton penalty in the box gave the Crusaders a penalty kick. Susquehanna was able to convert on the PK, taking a 1-0 lead on the Royals in the process.

But, Scranton was quick to answer.

Four minutes later, junior Tim DiBisceglie (Mine Hill, N.J./Gill St. Bernard's School) finished off a great corner kick from fellow junior Michael Bergen (Newtown, Pa./The Pennington School) to score his first goal of the year to knot the game up at 1-1. The goal was also the second of DiBisceglie's career, as well.

After a fast pace for the next 20 minutes in which each team had several scoring opportunities stopped, the match calmed down, and after 90 minutes headed to overtime. In the extra frames, both teams were unable to create many scoring chances, as the match ended in a draw.

Overall, Scranton ended the match with an 11-7 edge in shots over Susquehanna, while the Crusaders held a 10-5 advantage on corner kicks. In goal, junior Eric Hintz (South Windsor, Conn./South Windsor) kept Susquehanna off the scoreboard the rest of the match after allowing the penalty kick, making three total saves on the afternoon.

The University of Scranton men's soccer team returns to action on Wednesday, hosting Wilkes at Fitzpatrick Field. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

--ROYALS--