Reading, Pa. (Oct. 24, 2023) – Alvernia University (9-6-1, 5-1) took the lead in the seventh minute and hung on to take a 2-0 win over Hood College (3-14-1, 1-4-1) in MAC Commonwealth men's soccer action on Tuesday night at Alvernia. 

With the 2-0 win and a Widener tie at Eastern earlier in the night, Alvernia secured the #2 seed and will host a MAC Commonwealth semifinal game against the #3 seed on November 1st.

Alvernia needed just two shots to break through in the seventh minute. Ryan Cogill sent a fantastic ball over to Gabe Wunderlich, and Wunderlich fired it past the keeper to give Alvernia the early 1-0 lead. 

The Golden Wolves had eight more shots in the first half, but they were either saved or sailed just off target to keep it a 1-0 game going into the break. 

Hood came out of the break and had the first look on net in the second half, but Evan Solley was able to make the stop to keep the Blazers off the board. 

Alvernia then began peppering shots at the Blazers, but needed a penalty kick opportunity to add onto their lead. The Blazers were called for a handball in the box to give Alvernia the opportunity, and Connor Kraycik went up to the line. After a stutter step, Kraycik fired it past the Hood keeper to give Alvernia the 2-0 lead with about ten minutes to play. 

Alvernia had a few more opportunities in the final minutes to tack onto their lead, but the Golden Wolves did not need them as Hood did not have another shot opportunity the remainder of the game. 

Wunderlich and Kraycik each finished with a goal, and Cogill finished with one assist. Solley finished with two saves in net to pick up his fifth shutout of the season.

Alvernia is back in action on Saturday for its regular season finale hosting Widener.