BOX SCORE  | Photos

Reading, Pa. (Nov. 9, 2011) - Top-seeded Alvernia University (16-4-1) was able to post three unanswered goals against Welsey College (8-7-5) for 3-0 win in quarterfinal action of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) South Region Men's Soccer Championships at Schlager Memorial Field. The Crusaders were boosted by freshman Josh Wollaston (Middletown, Del./Caravel Academy) who was able to net two goals in the second half to seal the game.

Alvernia had difficultly saying on side in the beginning of the game committing six offsides in the first twenty minutes of play.

“We definitely had a couple offside," stated Alvernia head coach Casey Moore.  "They were holding a real high line in the back so we were trying to get through pretty often and guys were trying to cheat.  Once we started to work the ball a little bit more we knew we could pull them out of shape and get in behind that way. Instead of trying through runs all the time and through balls. That offsides was guys being a little eager to get in behind the defense.”

Despite their offsides trouble, the Crusaders were able to score early.  In the ninth minute of action  Dom Montone (Elkins Park, Md./Frederick) maneuvered the ball through the Wolverines' defense and set up freshman David McEwen (Cambridge, England/Upper Merion) who was able to say onside, beat the goalie to the far side, and score the first goal of the game.

After this opening goal the Wolverines fought back taking a barrage of shots at Alvernia keeper Ben Diller (Etters, Pa. / Red Land). Diller was able to stay perfect and save four shots including one shot taken by senior Michael Monticchio which would have squeezed under the bar if not for Diller's high-flying effort.  The shutout--the 10th of the season for Diller--added to his single-season school record.

Early in the second half junior Kyle Martyn (Media, Pa./Penncrest) was able to thread a pass to senior Eric Franks (Reading, Pa./Exeter) who quickly tapped the ball to Wollaston who was able to beat keeper Mark Mattern for his first of the game, extending Alvernia's led to two. Just a few minutes later Wollaston posted his second goal of the game and only third for his career. After this Alvernia continued to attack the Wolverines' defense and goalie but they were unable to connect on any more attempts.

Alvernia will advance to the semifinals and host the Final Four this weekend. The Crusaders will be playing at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday against #4 Swathmore. Swarthmore was able to able to inch past Frostburg in a shootout, 4-2. #2 Medaille, who won 1-0 over Grove city, will play #3 Marywood, who advanced past Lebanon Valley College in penalty kicks, following the Alvernia game at 7:00 p.m.

“I'm glad we are hosting,” finished Moore “I know that Swathmore is a really good team, we are certainly going to have to come out with more intensity than we did tonight”

The winners on Saturday will face off in the championship game Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

#1 Alvernia 3, #8 Wesley 0