Drew Stays Atop The Standings With Late Rally

MADISON, N.J. - Sharif Elzien's header in the 86th minute capped a comeback victory for Drew men's soccer as they defeated Scranton, 2-1, in a Landmark Conference game.  Elzien was the first one to his own rebound and headed over the Scranton keeper for a huge goal with less than five minutes remaining in the game.  Greg Zizik had equalized for the Rangers with an outstanding header in the 72nd after Greg Racich opened the scoring in the 60th for the Royals.  Drew improves to 6-4, 2-0 in Landmark Conference play while Scranton falls to 5-4-1, 1-2.

The Rangers got off to a flying start as they nearly grabbed a first minute lead.  Off a free kick and a loose ball in the Scranton box Adrian Kawuba got through the ball, but sent it high.

The Royals had the next pair of chances as they were able to get behind the Rangers on some counter attacks.  Tim Logan fired hard and low on a counter, but Jeff Rogers made a nice to save to keep it out of the far post.  Just three minutes later it was Michael Drew who hit a screamer from distance, but over the bar.  After an eventful first 15 minutes of play, the game settled down into a well balanced affair for the rest of the half.

In the second, Drew began brighter with more possession and pressure.  Elzien and Zizik nearly connected for the opener, but Zizik's header off a long cross sailed wide.

The Royals took one of their first chances in the second half well to get on the board.  Tim Logan played a nice ball across the field to a streaking Gary Racich inside the 18 yard box.  After a pair of cut backs Racich got alone on goal and slid it past Rogers inside the far post for the game's opener and against the run of play the Royals had the 1-0 advantage at the hour mark.

Drew continued to fight to get back into the game with sophomore forward Greg Zizik threatening the Royal defense constantly.  In the 70th, Zizik got a bit of fortune as a long ball eluded a Scranton defender.  Zizik outran the cover to get to it first and nearly broke the post with a shot that cannoned out to the 18.

Zizik would be rewarded two minutes later.  Dan Bonder did well to win a free kick after a mazy run on the right side.  Alex Degernes took the kick and whipped in a cross from 30 yards out.  Zizik got to it around 12 yards out and moving away from goal headed it with power into the right upper 90 for a contender for goal of the year and, more importantly, the equalizer.

The Royals nearly spoiled the comeback in the 85th.  Michael Drew made a run down the right and cut back into the middle to find an open Ryan Drum inside the 18.  Drum angled his shot just inside the far post, but Rogers smothered it with a diving save.  The Rangers capitalized a minute later with the winner.  Dante LaPenta sent a long throw inside the six yard box where Elzien had snuck in.  The sophomore's first header caused Scranton keeper Brandon Dombrowski into an uncomfortable save that he tried to tip over, but as it stayed in play, Elzien got his second chance and put it away for the winner.

The Rangers improved to 2-0 in Landmark Conference play with the win while Scranton fell to 1-2.  The Rangers get back into action on Wednesday as they travel to face TCNJ.