Box Score SCRANTON, Pa. – Muhlenberg's Greyson King scored a pair of first half goals and The University of Scranton men's soccer team (0-1) dropped a 2-0 decision to the Mules (1-0) in the season opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon at Weiss Field in Scranton.
This marked the first official game for the Royals since a Landmark Conference semifinal matchup vs. Elizabethtown on Nov. 5, 2019.
It was also the first meeting between Scranton and Muhlenberg since the 2016 season.
The Royals had a quality scoring chance in the first minute of the game, but a shot from the top of box by junior Brett Rudy (Wellsboro, Pa./Wellsboro Area) hit the crossbar and deflected away. Muhlenberg responded with a couple chances of their own, but senior goalie Jake Hodlofski (West Chester, Pa./Malvern Prep) made consecutive saves on Taylan Akdag to keep the game scoreless for the time being. The Mules would get on the board in the 31st minute as a shot off the post bounced directly to King who was able to find the back of the net. King struck again in the 42nd minute to give the visitors a 2-0 lead going into the locker room.
In the second half, sophomore Dylan Estevez (Garnerville, N.Y./Don Bosco Prep) had a scoring chance for the Royals in the 70th minute, but his shot was turned away by Muhlenberg keeper Brendan Duffy. Scranton put some pressure on the Mules defense in the last 10 plus minutes of the contest, but was unable to solve Duffy.
Muhlenberg held a 12-8 shot advantage on the afternoon and Hodlofski made five saves in net for Scranton, while Duffy tallied four for the Mules.
The game was a physical affair that featured 25 fouls, five yellow cards and a red card as both teams battled for all 90 minutes.
A total of seven student-athletes saw their first official collegiate action in the game for head coach Matt Pivirotto's squad.
The University of Scranton men's soccer team returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 8 as they hit the road to battle Ithaca at 4:30 p.m.
--ROYALS--
