Box Score
READING, Pa. – With a goal in the 12th minute of the first half the Crusaders of Alvernia University (7-5-1/1-2 CC) had all they needed as they defeated the Lions (8-5/1-2 CC) by the final score of 1-0 Tuesday evening in Shirk Stadium in a Commonwealth Conference showdown between cross-town rivals.
Netting the game-winner for the Crusaders was Domenic Montone on a header to the far post. Morgan Davidheiser crossed the ball into the box, as Montone ran on to it.
Despite giving up the early goal the Lions still managed to outplay their Reading rivals, but no matter what they did they could not score the equalizer. Things got even more difficult for the Lions in the 41st minute when #
Gibrilla Conde# received a red card, which put Albright at 10 men for the remainder of the night.
After the halftime break, the Lions now down a man continued to play extremely hard, but their efforts were not rewarded as Alvernia managed to hang on through the final 45 minutes of play. One of Albright's best chances came when #
Adam Toroniewski# battled his way through four defenders and on a one-time shot narrowly missed the far post.
Free kick specialist #
Mark Yost# also had some close range chances as well, with each one sailing just a little too high. Not to be outdone, Alvernia created some of their own opportunities throughout the second half.
With less than seven minutes to play, Alvernia was given a penalty kick opportunity after a foul was called in the goal box. Stepping up to take what would have been the clinching goal was Eric Franks. However, Franks managed to shoot the ball directly at Albright goalkeeper #
Billy Howard#. Unable to hold onto the ball, Franks stepped up to clean up the rebound, but for the second time in a row shot it directly into Howard.
That shot would then hit off of Howard and land on the foot of another Alvernia player, but just like the two previous shots that player's shot went right into Howard's hands.
Despite the drastic shift in momentum, the Lions were still unable to capitalize as the final seconds of the match winded down. Now with two losses to their conference record the red and white have a serious up-hill battle ahead of them if they are to make the postseason.
Included in this journey is a trip to Grantham, Pa. to face two-time defending national champs Messiah College. The Lions are also scheduled to face Lebanon Valley College, Arcadia University, and Lycoming College as well.
Men's soccer returns to Shirk Stadium this Saturday when they host Valley Forge Christian College at 7 p.m. in a non-conference match.
