BOX SCORE PHOTOS

Reading, Pa. (Nov. 3, 2011) - The Crusader (15-3-1) Men's Soccer team is headed to the Commonwealth Conference Championship Game for the first time in program history with a 2-1 overtime win over visiting Lebanon Valley (12-8) this evening in Commonwealth Semi-Final action.  Senior Eric Franks (Reading, Pa./Exeter) connected for the game-tying goal in the second half, and David McEwen (Flourtown, Pa./Upper Merion) netted the overtime game-winner.

The first half was all even with both the Crusaders and the Dutchmen managing six shots and earning just one penalty corner, with neither team able to find the back of the net.  Both goalkeepers needed just one save to preserve the first half shutout.

After a fairly quiet first half, the Dutchmen wasted no time once the clock started in the second half, netting the go-ahead goal in the 47th minute.  An innocent, looping shot was brought down by Crusader goalie Ben Diller (Etters, Pa./Red Land), but he was unable to handle it cleanly as the Dutchmen managed to knock it into goal-seemingly out of Diller's hands.  The goal was credited to Conner McAuliffe.

Alvernia netted the equalizer less than ten minutes later when Franks tracked down a pass from McEwen and lofted a huge strike from the left side of the field that sailed just out of the Dutchmen keeper's reach.  The second half concluded with the game still knotted at one with Alvernia outshooting LVC 8-1.

In the 94th minute Franks brought the ball up the left side of the field and sent a cross to McEwen who headed it perfectly past the Dutchmen keeper for the game-winner.

#2 seeded Alvernia will face Messiah College (17-0-1) this Saturday evening at Messiah at 7:30pm in the Commonwealth Conference Championship game.  Messiah is the #1 seed in the Commonwealth Championships and is currently ranked #2 in the nation. 

Alvernia 2, Lebanon Valley 1 (OT)