SCRANTON, Pa. – The University of Scranton men's soccer team (3-0-1) scored both goals in the second half and sophomore goalie Charlie Smith (Devon, Pa./Conestoga) denied a penalty kick in the 85th minute as the Royals topped Misericordia (1-1-1) in a 2-1 thriller on Tuesday night at Weiss Field in Scranton.
Scranton took the lead for good in the 58th minute when sophomore Logan Campbell (Chalfont, Pa./Central Bucks South) was able to get his head on a ball in the box and headed it home for the eventual game-winner. Smith kept it a 2-1 game with just under six minutes to play as he made a diving save on a PK attempt by Misericordia's Logan Moore.
With the victory, the Royals extend their unbeaten streak to four to begin the season.
The Royals threatened in the early stages of the first half as freshman Luke Roberto (Howell, N.J./Howell) delivered a shot that glanced just over the crossbar in the sixth minute and then Misericordia grabbed an early advantage in the ninth minute on a counter attack when Justin Yarabinee played a ball to Max Gariano who sent a shot to the far post for a 1-0 lead. Scranton continued to control a majority of the possession for the remainder of the half and Roberto tallied two more shots, but things remained 1-0 at halftime.
In the first minute of the second half, freshman Matt Capretto (Hockessin, Del./Charter School of Wilmington) had his shot turned away by Cougars' goalie Mason Heyward and the rebound bounced directly to junior Ciaran Corr (Newtown Square, Pa./Marple Newtown) who buried it to even the game at one. Heyward then made a save on Roberto in the 50th minute and Scranton saw shots from both Capretto and Roberto deflect off the crossbar and away from danger in the following minute before Campbell gathered the loose ball following Capretto's attempt for the 2-1 lead. Protecting the one-goal lead, the Royals' defense stood tall and held Misericordia to just three shots including the penalty kick over the final 30 plus minutes.
Head coach Matt Pivirotto's team held an 18-8 shot advantage in the contest led by eight from Roberto and Smith made one save in net to notch his third win of the season.
The University of Scranton men's soccer team will host William Paterson on Saturday afternoon at Weiss Field with action set to start at 1 p.m.
--ROYALS--
