Reading, Pa. (Sept. 1, 2015) - Alvernia University (1-0) opened the 2015 men's soccer season with a 4-1 victory over local competitor Penn State Berks (0-1) in non-conference action Tuesday afternoon at Penn State.

Alvernia received offensive support from multiple players, collecting goals from four different Crusaders.

Freshman Nick Tait put the Crusaders on the board first, netting his inaugural career goal off the feed from Nick Bombard just under the 25 minute mark for the 1-0 advantage.

Kevin MacFarland extended Alvernia's lead 12 minutes later, capitalizing on a Berks foul and landing his penalty kick to go ahead 2-0. MacFarland wasn't done though, setting up Nick Sincavage for a shot to the far corner just before the end of the half to give Alvernia a three-shot lead.

Metuge Esong was responsible for the Crusaders lone second half goal, taking the cross from Bombard to the far corner to give Alvernia the 4-1 margin.

The Lions picked up their sole goal in the 69^th minute on one of only four total shots on goal on the day.

The Crusaders finished the day connecting on half of their shots on goal, taking eight shots on goal and 14 shots total.

Sophomore Zach Rider picked up the win in goal, collecting three saves.

Alvernia returns to action this weekend, traveling to Lancaster for the Franklin & Marshall tournament. The Crusaders will take on Eastern in their first game of the tournament on Friday at 4:00.