BOX SCORE BOX SCORE

Reading, Pa. (Sept. 11, 2011) – Senior Eric Franks (Reading, Pa./Exeter) netted the double-overtime game-winner as Alvernia (3-1) defeated visiting Eastern University (2-2) this afternoon in non-conference action at Schlager Memorial Field.  Both teams managed a goal in the first half, with the Alvernia striking first, but the game-winner wouldn't come until the second overtime with just under eight minutes remaining.
 
The Eagles took control quickly as the game began with Eastern putting up six shots before Alvernia managed one, including a free kick from Jair Saenz that hit off the post in the 10^th minute.  However, a foul in the box and a successful penalty kick from Kyle Martyn (Media, Pa./Penncrest) gave the Crusaders the 1-0 lead in the 30^th minute.  Alvernia held onto their lead until a huge throw in from Austin Stover found Howard Fisher in the box after an untouched bounce.  Fisher headed the ball past Alvernia defense for his first goal of the season to tie the game at one.   

Eastern tallied six shots and three corners in the first half while Alvernia managed two shots and two corners.

The second half saw the Crusaders out shoot the Eagles 5-2 and earn four corner kicks to Eastern's two.  Both teams had their chances, including a shot off the cross-bar from Eagle Dexter Lamparter, but with three saves from Eastern goalkeeper Jon Crowder and one from Crusader keeper Ben Diller (Etters, Pa./Red Land) the score remained 1-1 through regulation.

The first golden goal overtime was scoreless with the Eagles outshooting Alvernia 4-0 and Diller recording four saves.

The Crusaders took the game less than three minutes into the second overtime as Kyle Mellon (Philadelphia, Pa./Father Judge) headed an Eagle goal kick to Franks who quickly took off with the ball in a breakway and beat the Eagle goalie lower-right for the game-winner.

Alvernia will return to action on Sept. 15^th when they host Rosemont College for a 3:00pm non-conference game.

Alvernia 2, Eastern 1 (2 OT)