Susquehanna Holds Off Juniata For Conference Win

SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) scored twice in the opening ten minutes of play, which would be enough to defeat for Susquehanna to earn a men's soccer win over Landmark Conference opponent Juniata.

Robertiello's first goal came off of a lead pass from Seth Baughman (Howard, Pa./Central Mountain), and Robertiello beat Juniata goalkeeper Joe Kohler on a one-on-one play that led to a Susquehanna goal.

Just minutes later, Robertiello struck again by means of Baughman. Baughman crossed a centering pass to Robertiello, and Robertiello subsequently hammered the ball past Kohler for his second goal of the game.

Rhyan Nelson (Manalpan, N.J./St. John Vianney) nearly netted the third Crusader goal at the 17 minute mark after beating a sprawled out Kohler. Nelson slightly misfired, hitting the right post, and Matt Gawlas (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) was unable to convert on the rebound.

Juniata opened its offense in the just 1:40 into the second half. Bryan Hess drove the ball down the left sideline facing the Crusaders' net, and he fired off a shot from the left side off toward the sideline. The ball ricocheted off of the inside of the top portion of the right post and went into the goal.

With 16:25 left to play, Juniata nearly tied up the match when Andrew Steffen tried to capitalize on a sprawled out B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) outside of the net. Merriam, who was lying down in the fetal position, corralled the ball on the ground averting a potential game-tying goal.

Nelson uncorked a plethora of shots, totaling a game-high eight shots. Five of those shots were fielded by Kohler.

Merriam saved eight shots and allowed one goal while Kohler saved ten shots and allowed two goals.

The Crusaders held the shot advantage, outshooting the Eagles 23-13.