Erie, Pa. (Nov. 14, 2015) - Sophomore Zach Rider made a career-high 16 saves and was named Most Outstanding Player as #7 Alvernia University (9-7-6) won its second Eastern College Athletic Conference South Region Men's Soccer Crown in penalty kicks over #1 Penn State-Behrend (17-2-3) Saturday afternoon at Behrend.

Alvernia freshman Adam Orndorff scored in the last minute of the first half to give the Crusaders a 1-0 lead that lasted until the Lions found the equalizer in the 77th minute.

Alvernia converted all four penalty kicks and Rider locked down his Outstanding Player award turning away the Lions twice in four kicks.

Matt Reinoehl was good on his PK in the first round keeping the Crusaders even after Behrend converted.  Rider made a diving save to his left in the second round and Vincent Biche put the Crusaders up 2-1 through two rounds.  Both teams scored in the third round with Jay Ringer keeping Alvernia up 3-2.  Rider made another stop in the fourth round setting up Andrew Baylor to convert for the win.

Orndorff's goal--his team-leading sixth of the season--was unassisted.  He intercepted an outlet from the Lions' defense and ripped a shot from the top of the box.  Rider denied a Behrend penalty kick midway through the second half and Reinoehl cleared a ball off the line in the final seconds of the first overtime to preserve the tie.

Alvernia won the ECAC title in 2012, also at Behrend where it improved to 4-0 in ECAC Championship games.  The Crusaders defeated Behrend 2-0 in the semifinal in 2012 and defeated Marywood 2-1 in double overtime in the final.

Seniors Baylor, Cody Shirk, and Sam Hart graduate with three ECAC appearances--two titles--and three MAC Commonwealth Championships appearances.  Baylor graduates having converted a penalty kick on his final play to win an ECAC title.

#7 Alvernia 1, #1 PSU-Behrend 1 (2OT)
Alvernia 4-2 In PKs