Mont Alto, PA – Christendom College Men's Soccer Team went undefeated in the Mont Alto Labor Day Classic, securing their first victories of the season. On Friday, September 1st, the Crusaders were triumphant over Penn State York 2-1. The following day, Saturday, September 2nd, the Crusaders beat Penn State Mont Alto 4-3 in an impressive comeback.
In their first game of the Mont Alto Labor Day Classic, the Crusaders were challenged by Penn State York. The Crusaders came out strong, taking control of the game. As the two teams fought for the lead, the game remained scoreless for the majority of the first half, but, with about 15 minutes remaining in the half, Crusaders' Michael Townsend (Junior/ Front Royal, VA) beat the Lions' goalie, scoring the crucial first goal of the game. The score remained 1-0 Christendom until the end of the half. The two teams continued to battle as the game progressed into the second half. Despite a strong effort from the Crusaders, the Lions tied the game 1-1. The final whistle approaching, Isaias Odiatu (Freshman/ Winnipeg, Canada) put the ball in the back of the net to again give the Crusaders the lead with less than 10 minutes left. Christendom controlled possession for the remaining 10 minutes of the game to secure the victory 2-1 over Penn State York.
The Crusaders came out determined to win on day two of the Labor Day Classic. Despite Christendom's determination, the Mont Alto Nittany Lions came out strong on the attack, scoring twice in the first half. The Crusaders were unable to break through in the first half, leading to a 2-0 deficit at the break. Beginning the second half down two goals, Christendom continued to bring aggression to the game. Just over 5 minutes in, with an assist from Crusaders' Sean Corcoran (Junior/ Lawrence, NJ), Odiatu scored, kindling the team's hope of victory. However, the Lions answered with another goal, adding to their lead 3-1. With around 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Crusaders elevated their play and put in two consecutive goals from veteran players Aidan Oakley (Senior/ Irvine, CA) and Corcoran. With only a few minutes left in the game, Townsend found the back of the net to secure the lead. With a remarkable comeback from the team, the Crusaders were victorious 4-3 over Penn State Mont Alto.
The great goal keeping by Christendom's goalie John Hill (Sophomore/ Spring, TX), gave the team what they needed to go 2-0 in the Labor Day Classic.
Up Next: The Christendom Men's Soccer Team will face Patrick Henry College in their home opener this Tuesday at 4:30pm.