MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's soccer team remains undefeated in conference play thanks to a 7-0 victory over Valley Forge on Monday evening, October 20.
Penn State Harrisburg (7-6-2, 5-0-1 United East) asserted pressure early, generating multiple scoring opportunities including efforts from
Addis Tafese and
Colin O'Hara. Valley Forge (3-10-3, 1-4-2 United East) goalkeeper Jayce Blanton made key saves to keep the match scoreless initially. The momentum shifted decisively in favor of the home team in the 33rd minute when
Malachi Abma successfully converted a penalty kick and it was Abma once again who extended the lead just minutes later with a goal assisted by
Aidan McWilliams. The Lions solidified their control over the first half with a third goal by
Brandon Axton in the final moments, assisted by
Alexander Benbatoul.
O'Hara broke through in the 61st minute of the second half, extending the lead to 4-0. Moments later,
Josiah Shamberger scored with an assist from
Dillon Gough, pushing the margin to five. The home team maintained control, as
Kristopher Lage found the back of the net in the 77th minute, assisted by Benbatoul, increasing the advantage to six.
Sello Seifrit added the final goal with seven minutes remaining, concluding the game with a 7-0 lead.
NOTABLES
- Abma had a pair of goals against the Patriots on just three attempts.
- Axton, O'Hara, Shamberger, Lage, and Seifrit all had a marker each on the night, the latter two being the first of the season for Lage and Seifrit. Â
-
Erik Rodriguez played all 90 minutes in goal for the Lions, recording one save.
- Benbatoul had a pair of assists to go along with three shot attempts.Â
- Gough and McWilliams both tallied a helper each.Â
- The Lions outshot the Patriots 38-2 and topped Valley Forge in corners 15-0.
WHO'S NEXT?Â
Penn State Harrisburg has a quick turnaround, as they go up against conference opponent Gallaudet on Tuesday night, October 21 at 5 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube using the handle @
pshbgathletics.