Christian Arcos	Jake Hodlofski	Bryce Schiltz

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Freshman Christian Arcos (Bayonne, N.J./Saint Peter's Prep) scored the game-winner in the 92^nd minute and The University of Scranton men's soccer team (1-0) opened the 2019 season with a 2-1 overtime victory over King's (0-1) on Saturday afternoon at McCarthy Stadium in Wilkes-Barre.

Arcos sent a shot from the left side that took a bounce off of King's goalie Connor McKeown's hands and into the net.

This marks the first overtime win for the Royals since a 2-1 victory in double overtime at Cortland on Sept. 9, 2017. It is also the third time in four years that head coach Matt Pivirotto's squad has captured the season opener.

The Monarchs opened the scoring in the 13^th minute as August Axtman converted a penalty kick to give the hosts an early 1-0 edge. Scranton would respond just seven minutes later as a free kick was delivered into the box and junior Bryce Schiltz (East Aurora, N.Y./East Aurora) collected the loose ball to even things at one apiece. Both teams had chances in the latter stages of the first half, but the score remained tied at one headed into the half. King's held a slight 6-5 shot advantage in the opening 45 minutes and recorded four corner kicks as well.

Scranton threatened early in the second half, but McKeown denied the Royals' Michael Donnelly (Mahopac, N.Y./John F. Kennedy) on a penalty kick attempt in the 48^th minute. Jake Hodlofski (West Chester, Pa./Malvern Prep) made a couple of key saves in the second half for the Royals and turned away a Fabio Massa shot in the 90^th minute to send the game to overtime. Arcos struck just 2:03 into overtime and sent Scranton home a winner in the team's season opener.

King's held a 12-9 shot advantage on the afternoon and Hodlofski made four saves, while McKeown registered a pair of saves for the Monarchs. Donnelly paced the Royals with three shots and Massa led the hosts with three.

The game was a physical affair as the two sides combined for 28 fouls and five yellow cards on the day.

Scranton will host crosstown rival Marywood in the team's home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Weiss Field. Opening kick is set for 7 p.m.

--ROYALS--