Pair of Second-Half Tallies Push Gators Past Red Hawks
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny College men's soccer kicked off its season by closing on the right side of a 3-1 decision over La Roche College in the first game of the 2012 Allegheny Classic at Frank B. Fuhrer Field.
Sophomore midfielder Cameron Olson led the team, recording three points on one goal and one assist, including tie-breaking goal in the 61st minute that gave the Gators (1-0-0) a 2-1 lead. Olson also assisted on the first goal of the game.
The first 15 minutes of the action tilted towards La Roche's advantage, as the Red Hawks (0-1-0) had several opportunities, especially from the corner. In the 23rd minute, Olson found senior forward Chris Brennan alone on the right side. Brennan took the good ball from Olson and fired a shot to the top-right post for Allegheny's first goal.
La Roche manufactured the equalizer early in the second half as freshman midfielder Nick Work got a ball past Allegheny junior goalkeeper John Lichina off of a pass in front by junior forward Chad Trozzi. Firing nine shots during the period, the Gators were able to keep the Red Hawks inside the lines, not allowing a single corner kick during the second frame.
Olson netted his first goal of the season off of a free kick from 15 yards out on the left side. He fired it at the upper-90 portion of the goal and a defender's attempt to deflect the shot with his head misdirected into the net for Allegheny's second goal.
Junior Andrew Miller took advantage of a frazzled La Roche defense following Olson's goal. In the 62nd minute, Miller split two defenders and retained control after a challenge by a defender, scorching a ground shot to the bottom right side of the net to give the Gators a two-goal lead.
Allegheny will play Wilmington at 1 p.m. Sunday to conclude its schedule at the Allegheny Classic. Hiram will matchup with La Roche at 3:30 p.m. to conclude the tournament.
