ABINGTON, Pa. – The Widener University men's soccer team got its season off to a good start as three first half goals propelled the Pride to a 3-2 victory against the Penn State Abington Nittany Lions in the season opener for both teams on Friday afternoon.
After being held scoreless for the first 15 minutes, Widener's offense opened the flood gates, scoring three goals in a nine minute stretch. Penn State Abington nearly matched the Pride's offensive surge by scoring two goals within a span of 10 minutes, cutting the lead to 3-2 at the half.
Both offenses cooled in the second half as defensive halftime adjustments limited scoring chances.
First Half Summary
- Neither team found the scoreboard until 16:41 when Kevin McKenna ripped a shot from outside the box, netting it near post.
- Following a Nittany Lions goal less than two minutes later, Nick Brison was able to capitalize, collecting his own rebound and burying the second chance to give the Pride a 2-1 lead.
- Nearly three minutes after Brison's goal, Nick Lefevre found the back of the net by way of an Andrew Thomas through ball down middle, increasing the lead to 3-1.
- Abington was able to shorten the lead in the 27th minute, cutting the advantage to a goal.
Second Half Summary
- The defense held strong in the second half holding Penn State Abington scoreless on five shots.
- Freshman Vinnie Nocito stood tall in his first collegiate match with six saves, two of them coming in the second half.
Up next
Widener travels to Cabrini on Sunday, September 2, facing the Cavaliers at 12:00 p.m.
