Reading, Pa. (Oct. 28, 2023) - Alvernia University (10-6-1, 6-1) closed out its 2023 regular season with a 2-0 win over Widener University (12-3-2, 3-2-2) in MAC Commonwealth men's soccer action on Saturday evening at Alvernia.

Alvernia had already locked in the #2 seed in the MAC Commonwealth playoff prior to Saturday's game with the Pride.

The Pride pressured early, but three saves by Evan Solley, as well as a few shots off target by the Pride, kept the game at 0-0 through the first 20 minutes of action.

The Golden Wolves did not have a shot on goal through the first 28 minutes. But, Alvernia then drew a foul in the box to pick up a penalty kick opportunity. Ryan Cogil stepped up to the line for the Golden Wolves and fired a hard shot past the keeper and into net to give Alvernia the 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. 

Neither team had a shot on goal the rest of the half as the game went into the break with Alvernia leading, 1-0. 

Solley made a big save to open the second half and keep the Pride off the board.

In the 54th minute, Alvernia tacked onto its lead as Zeke Zambrano broke away down the Alvernia side and headed towards the net. At the last moment, he sent a quick cross over to Connor Kraycik, who was charging in by the right post. Kraycik gave it a one touch into the back of the net to give Alvernia the 2-0 lead. 

Zambrano had two more looks on goal in the final 30 minutes, but the Golden Wolves did not add onto their lead. It would not be needed as Solley made two more saves during the half to secure the 2-0 shutout.

Solley finished with six saves in net for Alvernia en route to his 10th win and sixth shutout of the year. 

With the win, Alvernia finishes the regular season with a record of 10-6-1 and finishes 6-1 in MAC Commonwealth play. Alvernia enters the MAC Commonwealth playoff as the #2 seed and will host Widener again on Wednesday. The Pride will be the #3 seed in the playoffs.