BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Sept. 4, 2010) - What could have been heartache after allowing a game-tying goal with under 10 seconds in regulation turned into full-field elation for Alvernia University (1-0-1) Saturday evening when sophomore goalie Ben Diller (Etters, Pa./Red Land) turned aside three penalty kicks allowing the Crusaders to advance to the championship game of the Crusader Cup Men's Soccer Tournament.

The Crusaders gleefully celebrated every throw in and corner they received in the final two minutes and they killed clock in the corner in front of their own bench before what could have been a devastating error.  Wesley was finally able to clear the ball from its defensive third, but the Alvernia defense played it right back to Wesley keeper Nick Talarico who's quick punt sent the offense scampering back up the field.

The Wolverines turn a quick counter into a game-tying goal with under 10 seconds left in regulation.

Wesley sophomore Nico Scarpato finished what Talarico started to tie the game at 1-all and force the extra periods.  Through nearly 90 minutes Alvernia senior Morgan Davidheiser (Boyertown, Pa./Boyertown) had the only score of the night -- a breakaway goal in the 63rd minute.

Both goalies came up with a save in the overtime sessions, but neither stopped any of the first four penalty kicks.  Tied at 2-2 in PKs it was Diller that made the first save.  Then Talarico answered, and Diller stoned his second straight Wesley shooter.

Alvernia junior Domenic Montone (Elkins Park, Pa./Abington) calmly rolled the ball into the back of the net on his attempt to put Alvernia up 3-2.  Diller then made it three straight stops setting off an adrenaline laced celebration as the Crusaders head to Sunday's final.

Diller finished with four saves in the first 110 minutes, and nearly as many in penalty kicks, and Talarico made a pair of saves through regulation and overtime.

Alvernia faces Susquehanna in Sunday's final, a 1-0 victor over Eastern University.  Eastern and Wesley will renew Pennsylvania Athletic Conference ties when they square off in the consolation game at 5:30 Sunday afternoon.

Alvernia 1, Wesley 1 (2OT) Alvernia advances 3-2 in PKs