Scranton Battles to Thrilling 1-1 Tie With Merchant Marine Academy on Saturday
Freshman defender Mark Stellwag (Newburgh, N.Y./Newburgh Free Academy) scored in the 78th minute and The University of Scranton kept constant pressure on throughout the match, but ultimately settled for a 1-1 tie with the United States Merchant Marine Academy in a thrilling match at Fitzpatrick Field on Saturday afternoon.
Trailing 1-0 early, the Royals (3-4-3, 0-1-1 Landmark) controlled the action throughout most of the game, yet trailed until Stellwag picked up a loose ball and buried a shot from about 35 yards out to knot the score. The goal was the first of Stellwag's career.
The Royals had numerous solid chances, among the best being a shot by junior midfielder Bill McGuinness (Forty Fort, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) that hit the crossbar in the 30th minute. The Royals outshot the Marines, 26-8, and 12-4 in shots on goal, but Gary Poulin (Hauppauge, N.Y./Hauppauge) made 11 saves for USMMA (6-3-1, 2-0-1 Landmark).
McGuinness led the Royals' offensive attack with nine shots while sophomore midfielder Colin McFadden (Ventnor City, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) added five.
The 1-1 tie was the third time in five years Scranton and USMMA played double overtime matches. Scranton is now 6-3-1 all-time against USMMA.
The Royals return to action Wednesday when they host Lebanon Valley in non-conference action at 7 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.
--ROYALS--
