Reading, Pa. (Oct. 25, 2016) – Alvernia University (5-10-1, 4-2-1) knocked off crosstown rival Albright College (2-13-2, 0-2) by a 2-0 final Tuesday evening in MAC Commonwealth men's soccer action at Shirk Stadium to clinch a berth in the conference championships.
 
The Crusaders could finish as high as third which would mean a semifinal game a week from Thursday at #2 seed Lebanon Valley College.  Alvernia will travel to Lebanon Valley on Saturday to wrap up the regular season.
 
Messiah College has locked up the #1 seed.  Alvernia, Arcadia, Hood, and Lycoming are still alive for the last three spots.  #4 and #5 will play a first round game on Tuesday with that winner traveling to Messiah for the other semifinal on Thursday.
 
Alvernia put together its first sustained pressure on Tuesday at Albright in the 14^th minute when Kyle McHugh fired a shot wide, and Adam Orndorff beat the Albright keeper, but the defense was there to clear it off the line.
 
The Crusaders broke through in the 44^th minute when Orndorff centered a pass from the right side.  Jay Ringer collected the feed and ripped a shot that Billy Mullen was able to get a piece of, but the deflection had enough steam to roll into the net.
 
Alvernia held the 1-0 advantage at halftime with Zach Rider needing just one save on a header to keep the sheet clean through the first 45 minutes.
 
Alvernia had a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 48^th minute when Ayinde Cole was shoved from behind in the box.  His attempt sailed high.
 
The Crusaders racked up chances 20 minutes into the second half, but couldn't convert.  They got off five shots over an eight minute span, but three were off target, one was blocked, and the last was saved by Mullen.
 
The lead finally doubled in the 80^th minute when Vincent Biche ripped a shot that deflected off teammate Zach Weidner and in.
 
Rider finished with just the one save to earn his third shutout of the year.
 
Alvernia 2, Albright 0