PHOENIXVILLE, PA- The University of Valley Forge men's soccer team competed in their final regular season game, Tuesday, October 21, against Penn State Beaver. Hosting the Lions, the Patriots capped their season in fine style, capturing the 4-3 victory!
The Patriots marked their territory early on, recording the first two goals of the game in less than twenty minutes. At 10:20,
Selom Dodoh received a pass from
Joshua Dennis to knock the ball into the back corner off his left foot to put the Patriots up, 1-0. At 17:59
Joshua Dennis pushed the Patriots further with solo goal.
The defense held strong until 30:49 when Penn State's Marcus Smith was awarded a penalty kick at 30:49. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Smith netted the visitors first goal...and didn't stop there. Several minutes later Smith slipped through the defensive line and recorded the second goal for Penn State off a pass from Dom DeMino. The teams were now tied at 2-2. Less than thirty seconds after Penn State's second goal, the team caught the Patriots on their heels and took the lead as Dom DeMino recorded his first goal of the game.
As halftime loomed, the Patriots continually invaded the Lion's territory. Finally, with seconds to spare,
Ryon McGinness rocketed a ball toward the Lion's goal and found the back of the net to tie the game, 3-3!
Returning from the half, the Patriots picked up the pace. Less than two minutes after the start of the second stanza, Patriot player
Ezana Asrate recorded a goal for the team off a solid pass from
Kevin Carbajal. The team now led, 4-3.
Knowing what was at stake, the Patriots' defense along with goalkeeper, Zachary Barbieri, denied the Lions at every turn. The teams continually tested each other as the half went on, but the Patriots held firm and were rewarded with a final season victory!
Goalie
Zach Barbieri recorded 10 saves.
Selom Dodoh had five shots, two shots on goal, and one goal.
Joshua Dennis notched three shots, three shots on goal, one goal and one assist.
The team finished the regular season with a record of 5-14.
The men will take the rest of the week to prepare for the NCCAA East Region Finals. The Patriots will play against Baptist Bible College, Saturday, October 25 at 2PM.
Go Patriots!
