Crusaders Open Conference Play With A Victory

SCRANTON, Pa. - In the opening weekend of Landmark Conference play, Susquehanna defeated the University of Scranton, 3-1.

The Crusaders scored twice within the first 15 minutes of play to set the tempo. Senior midfielder Eric Baltimore (Shavertown, Pa./Dallas) struck first on a pass from freshman forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalpan, N.J./St. John Vianney). Baltimore then got an assist on Matt Gawlas' (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) goal later in the first half.

With less than six minutes remaining, the Crusaders put it out of reach on a goal by Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) on a picture-perfect cross from Baughman, who ran down a ball served over the top of the Royal defense. 

Freshman goalie B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made a match-high eight saves for Susquehanna.