Medaille Sports

The Medaille College men’s soccer team had to overcome a hungry opponent and lofty expectations if they wanted to win their fourth AMCC Tournament Championship in five years.  They did both as a huge goal from senior Josh Meier (South Wales, NY/Holland) in the 79th minute led the Mavs to a (1-0) win over Penn State-Behrend in the tournament final.  The Meier goal was especially huge for the defender as he had a penalty kick turned away by the Lions Dustin Walker late in the first half and the rebound from that shot landed on the foot of Gary Boughton (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) who pushed the shot just over the crossbar.  The Lions had several good chances in the game as just seconds into the match the Mavs turned the ball over in their defensive end and handed the Lions a golden opportunity but Ryan Banks would push the ball wide left.  In the 29th minute a Behrend forward broke free and fired a shot that seemed destined for the back of the net but sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Goettel (Syracuse, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse) made a diving save to keep the game scoreless, he finished with three saves.  The chances would be few and far between for Behrend from that point on as Medaille dictated the pace of play, outshooting the Lions (26-9) on the night.  The Mavs defense was again strong as they dominated in the air en route to their tenth consecutive shutout and their sixteenth of the season.  The Mavs have only allowed five goals all season long while scoring (85) thus far in 2009.  The win moves Medaille to (17-2-2) on the year and more importantly puts them into the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament field for the fourth time in the past five years.  The tournament field will be announced tomorrow (11/8) and the tournament bracket will be posted on Monday (11/9).  Stay up to date with all Medaille College men’s soccer action at www.medaillesports.com.