Scranton Wins Back-And-Forth Affair

SCRANTON, Pa.-Senior forward Tim Logan (Spotswood, N.J./Spotswood) scored two goals, including the match-winner in the 103rd minute of the second overtime period, to lift The University of Scranton to a dramatic 4-3 victory over Rowan University Wednesday evening at Fitzpatrick Field.

Logan's heroics was set up by sophomore forward Jeff Bochicchio (Lake Ariel, Pa./North Pocono), who blasted a shot that was deflected by Profs' freshman goalie Charles Cunliffe (Lakewood, N.J./Lakewood). Logan followed the play and tapped a shot in from 14 yards out as Scranton improved to 2-1 on the season.

It was a roller-coaster ride for both teams throughout the evening. The Profs took an early 2-0 lead, as junior forward Jay Vigilante (Manasquan, N.J./Wall) took advantage of a Royal miscue near the Scranton goal and picked up a loose ball and fired a shot for a goal from 22 yards out at the 18:33 mark. Less than nine minutes later, Rowan extended its lead on the first of two goals by sophomore midfielder Michael Pascale (Toms River, N.J./Toms River South), who tipped a ball over the head of Scranton freshman goalie Brandon Dombrowski (Hockessin, Del./Salesianum) on a play set up by junior forward Matthew Flynn (Mullica Hill, N.J./Clearview Regional).

Scranton cut the margin to 2-1 by intermission on a goal by junior forward Kyle Falana (Haddonfield, N.J./Haddonfield Memorial) at the 35:49 mark. Falana blasted a shot from 14 yards out that found the left-corner of the goal after teammate Gus Esgro (Archbald, Pa./Valley View) controlled a loose ball off of a direct kick.

Early in the second-half, the Royals had a golden opportunity to tie the match, but Logan's penalty kick after a Rowan infraction was just left of the mark. Nevertheless, Scranton continued to fight back and finally tied the score on a goal by sophomore midfielder Sebastian Akerman (Helsingborg, Sweden/Intl. School of Helsingborg), who knocked in a shot from the left end-line on a ball served up by senior midfielder Ryan Drum (Maple Glen, Pa./Archbishop Wood) at the 54:50 mark.

Scranton took its first lead on a ball served into the box by junior defender Gary Racich (Jackson, N.J./Saint Rose) that was headed in for a goal by Logan, his first of the season, at the 72-minute mark. With less than five minutes remaining, Scranton was called for a penalty and Pascale responded by drilling a shot from 30 yards out that was saved Dombrowski, but he rolled over the goal line and the Profs were credited with a goal.

Both teams did have opportunities in each of the overtime periods, but Cunliffe and Dombrowski each came up with key saves.

Scranton also dodged a bullet midway through the second-half, when Dombrowski got caught out of position and Racich knocked a shot by freshman midfielder Andrew Ocbo (Sicklerville, N.J./Winslow Township) that appeared to be headed for a goal

The Royals have now won two straight against the Profs after going 0-12-1 in the first 13 meetings between the two schools.

Scranton will close out a four-match home stand this Saturday, September 8, against the Pride of Widener University beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.