(boxscore)

Sophomore Rich Romano (Philadelphia, PA) scored on a header 61 seconds into the second half for Widener, which held off a furious rally for a 1-0 Commonwealth Conference victory over Alvernia at Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium.

Sophomore Brad Ziegler (Medford, NJ) took the ball on the right side and fed Romano, who was by himself in front and deposited his first career goal for the Pride (5-6-2, 2-1 CC).

The game was far from over as Alvernia (3-9, 0-3) had its chances to level the match.  Domenic Montone (Elkins Park, PA) had the first great opportunity late, ripping a blast in which senior Hamed Correa (Cali, Colombia) made a diving save in the 88th minute.

Shaquille Hudson had a shot in close that was blocked in the waning seconds for a corner kick.  Eric Franks had a chance in front, but his shot was blocked as time expired.

Correa played solidly with five saves for his sixth shutout of the year.  Junior Brian James (Perkasie, PA) totaled five shots for Widener, which closed with a 15-10 advantage.

Montone finished with 10 shots and Drew Gilbert made five saves for the Crusaders.

Widener on Saturday visits Elizabethtown at 4:30 pm.