BOX SCORE
Reading, PA (Nov. 8 2008) - Alvernia completed the two-game season sweep of the Widener Pride with a strong defensive performance. Freshman goaltender Jim Fynes (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) started his first collegiate game between the pipes and collected his first ACHA win. Fyne stopped 17 shots en route to recording Alvernia's second shutout of the season. The Crusader's complimented the fine defensive performance with a seven goal outburst in the second period. Alvernia University held the Widener Pride scoreless in both games this season with the 8-0 shutout on Saturday night and a 10-0 shellacking back in September at Widener's home barn.
Alvernia played a stingy first period, limiting Widener to a mere three shots, yet could not muster many quality offensive thrusts which resulted in a scoreless deadlock entering the first intermission. The second period started with Alvernia mounting a charge of offense that finally connected at the 4:56 mark of the period. First line goal scoring specialists Anthony Froio (Glenside, PA/Interboro) and Geoff McGrath (Deptford, NJ/Roman Catholic) linked a nice outlet pass resulting in McGrath snapping a winner for a 1-0 lead and consequently the game winner. McGrath breaking across the neutral zone's received a well timed headman pass from Froio. The speedy winger skated uncontested down the offensive right circle and found a small window above the Widener netmeinder's top right shoulder and torched a wrist shot top shelf. The Vern unleashed five goals in a five minute span. A scoreless game which never really seemed in the balance was out of reach in a matter of minutes. Junior Pete Cirard (Levittown, PA/Harry Truman) connected on the power play less than one minute following McGrath's game breaker. Cirard's been utilized on the power play using his size and balance stationing himself as an effective screen man in front of the opposition cage minder. Cirard's goals are not pretty but effective, as the fourth line center has no reservations about sacrificing the body in the slot area.
Alvernia added a new weapon to the scoring arsenal in second period. Freshman late edition, Ben Yuro (Howell, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy) added his first two collegiate goals of the season and turned in another fine two way effort. Yuro quietly has received increased playing time while supporting his team with quality back checking and developing the fourth line into a formidable scoring option. Additional lamp lighters joining the scoring cavalcade were Christian Baron (Philadelphia, Pa/LaSalle) who has been an offensive constant for the Vern thus far this season. Alvernia's blue liner Karl Knoblauch (Norwood, PA/Interboro) buried an impressive snap shot from the lower left circle for his first goal of the season. Knoblauch scored the fifth goal during the Vern's five goals in as many minutes run. The deceptive defenseman dangled through the lower left circle finishing with an iron clanking roof top snapper that sent the Alvernia bench into eruption. The Crusader's launched two more second period tallies from the likes of team leading goal scorer Froio. Froio's second tally was an unlikely empty netter that was an oddity considering the score.
The Vern will play a pivotal three game set next weekend all of which are Mason-Dixon Conference battles including the Saturday night featured game vs. Gettysburg College.
Special Team Kudo's :
- Crusader's recorded second shut out of season (both vs. Widener)
- Power Play goal (1-3 on the power play )
- PK Unit 4-4
Did You Notice :
- Jeff Bohler reassigned for the evening to second line offensive responsibilities contributed with 3 assists
- Froio has 10 goals in 10 games
- Caputo and Cirard were the “Best Dressed” Crusader's
