Reading, Pa. (Sept. 1, 2016) - No. 12 Franklin & Marshall (1-0) scored a pair of quick goals early in the second half to jump out to a 2-0 lead on its way to a 4-1 win over Alvernia University (0-1) Thursday afternoon in a non-conference men's soccer season opener for both teams.

The Diplomats earned a free kick four minutes into the second half and served it into the box where it caromed off an Alvernia defender and past Crusader keeper Zach Rider.  The guests scored an insurance goal quickly off the restart when Jason Tonelli weaved his way down the right side, cut into the box and found the back of the net one-on-one with Rider.

The Diplomats went up 3-0 in the 66th minute on a goal from Cole Niggeman, and the Crusaders got on the board a minute later when Jay Ringer sent Adam Orndorff into the box and Orndorff was able to finish.

F&M added the final goal of the game in the 70th minute.

Rider made one save in net for the Crusaders.

Alvernia continues the season Sunday at York College.

#12 F&M 4, Alvernia 1