(Posted October 6, 2004)

Susquehanna 3, Juniata 1

Huntingdon, Pa. ? For the second-consecutive match the Juniata College men?s soccer team got off to a fast start, but this time the Eagles were unable to hang on as Susquehanna University rallied to post a 3-1 victory in Huntingdon Wednesday afternoon. Juniata falls to 3-7-1 with the loss, and the Eagles are now 0-2 in conference play. The Crusaders are now 8-3 overall and 2-1 in conference competition.

For the second time in as many matches, the Eagles got out of the gates quickly as Juniata scored the first goal of the match just seven minutes in. Rob Bowser (Dallastown/York) slid in to deflect a cross in front of the Susquehanna goal to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. Jeff Gehring (Exeter Township/Reading) and Josh Cady (Malvern Prep/Frazer) each earned assists on the play. Unfortunately for Juniata Bowser was banged up on the play and was unable to remain in the game.

Susquehanna answered right back tying the match at one on a score from Nate Snyder at the 9:18 mark. Adam Hess played the ball forward to Snyder who beat Eagle keeper Mark Guthridge (DuBois/DuBois) to knot the match at one.

The Crusaders then pulled in front another four minutes later when Jason Zeisloft cut through the box and knocked in the cross off a corner kick. Chris Collier earned the assist as he sent the corner into the box.

The two teams would remain nearly even the rest of the match, with both keepers having to make several challenging saves. Susquehanna keeper Nick Hoover turned away a Mike Alianiello (Altoona/Altoona) header that would have tied the match mid-way through the second half. It was one of two saves on the match for Hoover.

Guthridge finished with nine saves for the Eagles, but he found himself out of the net after a clearing attempt and Justin Makar capitalized by converting the lose ball for the final margin of 3-1.

Juniata was out-shot in the match 18-8, but the Eagles helped keep the visitors in check by continually moving the back line and forcing the Crusaders offside. Susquehanna was offside 16 times in the match.

Bowser?s goal was his third of the season. Gehring upped his team-leading assist count to four, while Cady earned his first assist.

Juniata will return to action on Sunday for a non-conference tilt against visiting Palm Beach Atlantic University.

###

Our readers respond...

Be the first to provide a response.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.