BOX SCORE
Reading, PA (Oct. 19, 2008) - Alvernia University managed to avert a costly weekend sweep by defeating the Neumann College Knights with a pair of third period goals. The Crusaders rebounded from a sloppy 6-2 loss to Rider University on Saturday night, with a gritty come from behind victory over Neumann on Sunday afternoon. Alvernia's win was highlighted by five different goal scorers while containing Neumann's offense in the final period, collecting a much needed two points in the ACHA overall standings.
Crusader first liners once again proved to be the offensive catalyst with team point leaders Geoff McGrath (Deptford, NJ/Roman Catholic) and Anthony Froio (Glenolden, PA/Interboro HS) collecting one goal each. The Dynamic Duo from Roman Catholic, McGrath and long time line mate Sean Castineira (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) converted a sweet give and go down the slot with McGrath sliding home the opening goal just twenty-six seconds into the game.
Neumann broke the ice just under the ten minute mark of the opening period to tie the contest. The Knights wasted little time for the lead to change hands as they tallied a two on one opportunity. The 2-1 Knights lead was deflating as Alvernia controlled the tempo of the game but was once again victimized by surrendering careless odd man rush chances.
The Crusaders' Froio collected an early second period goal tying the game at 2-2. Neumann answered half way through the period reclaiming the lead. Alvernia created some high percentage scoring chances, with four shots ringing the pipes but with no success. Finally sophomore forward Stephen Waricka (Millstone, NJ/Allentown HS ), setting up camp outside the Knight's goal crease found a loose puck between his legs and pushed it home to knot the score. The tempo of the game intensified with end to end rush's as both teams mounted excellent scoring chances.
The final period featured tense moments with Alvernia controlling the pace offensively. The Crusader's rolled four lines regularly with major contributions from the third and fourth liners. Newly activated forward Ben Yuro (Howell, NJ/Christian Bros.) picked up his first collegiate point with an assist on Waricka's goal. Alvernia grabbed the lead midway into the final period when sophomore blue liner Jeff Bohler (Ephrata, PA/Ephrata) skated high between the circles and ripped a slap shot into the upper left hand twine. Bohler read the rebound perfectly firing one between a maze of screens in front. Insurance on top of Bohler's go ahead goal came several minutes later with junior forward John Caputo (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) found himself alone skating down the left wing circle uncontested. Caputo hesitated briefly then threaded a soft shot between the Neumann goaltenders pads. The insurance goal proved to be the game winner also as the Knights scored a too little too late goal with time expiring late in the game. The Crusaders defeated a sound Neumann College squad both on the road and now at home. The Vern has recorded three straight wins over Neumann dating back to last January.
Schedule Note: Catholic University game at Body Zone originally scheduled for Oct. 25 has been switched to Oct. 31. Sounds Scary!
Special Team Kudo's:
-Blue liner Bob Crouse (Norwood, PA/Interboro) stabilized the D-fence running quality shifts in the second and third periods.
Not So Special Team Kudo's ;
-Alvernia with a robust 8 PK's which contrasted nicely with Rider University's squeaky clean total of zero.
Did You Notice?
-The Vern unveiled Devon Coleman out of Academic Hiatus. Trade that Colgate jersey for a shot at the Maroon Line. Better skate hard or Coach Kelly's going to “die your egg”.
- Fried Chicken, Philly Soft Pretzels courtesy of the Toth family.
- Coach O'Connell not familiar with inappropriate motivational Locker Room Music.
Injury Update:
-Eric Phillips expected to Dress for Halloween Fright Nite with Catholic U.
-Frank Lang (concussion) returns Tuesday night
