Box Score

SCRANTON, Pa. - A goal off a free kick from Haverford's Nick Jannelli with under a minute left in the first overtime period was the difference, as 23rd-ranked Haverford got past the University of Scranton men's soccer team, 1-0, on Wednesday night at Fitzpatrick Field.

With the defeat, the Royals dropped to 5-2 overall, while Haverford improved 5-1-1 with the overtime victory.

The battle between two teams ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Mid-Atlantic Region Poll (Haverford 4th and Scranton 6th) began with the Royals offense attacking in the first period. In all, Scranton fired eight shots in the first 45 minutes in the opening frame, five of which were on net.

Scranton, however, could not get a shot past Haverford goalie Jeremy Astesano, who made five saves in the period. On the opposing end, Haverford took five shots in the first half, with only one on net that was saved by sophomore goalie Blake Hammert (Archbald, Pa./Scranton Prep).

In the second half, Haverford proved to be the aggressor on offense, taking nine shots, compared to six for Scranton. But, in relief, sophomore keeper Everett Minchew (Marlton, N.J./Camden Catholic) came on to start the period and played well, making five saves in the final 45 minutes of regulation to keep the game scoreless.

After 90 minutes of scoreless play, the game headed the overtime, and both teams played about even until there was under a minute to go in the first overtime period. There, Scranton committed a foul with 45 seconds left, which set up the free kick for Jannelli.

Jannelli proceeded to win the match with a shot on goal that curled into the high left side of the back of the net, handing the Royals a tough one-score loss at home.

Overall, Haverford outshot Scranton in the match, 17-14, and had a 7-5 edge on corner kicks. On the night, senior Connor Casey (Hatfield, Pa./LaSalle College H.S.) did everything he could to score a goal for the Royals, as he took four shots on net on the night.

The University of Scranton men's soccer team will look to rebound from the defeat on Saturday, as the Royals open Landmark Conference play for the season at home against Moravian. Kickoff at Fitzpatrick Field is set for 4 p.m.

--ROYALS--