WARRIOR MEN’S SOCCER SUFFERS FIRST LOSS OF SEASON

SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Lycoming College men’s soccer team traveled to Susquehanna University, Friday evening, for the fourth annual “Battle of the Boot”. The Warriors won last year’s contest in overtime, but could not retain the Boot as the home team scored three second-half goals to steal the trophy. Lycoming falls to 2-1 with the loss, while the Crusaders improve to 4-0.

The Warriors controlled the action early, but could not convert that momentum into a goal, resulting in a 0-0 tie at halftime.

In the second half, it was Susquehanna that struck first when Mike Keim took a pass from Nate Snyder and found the back of the net two minutes into the second half. Just four minutes later Snyder tallied a goal of his own off an assist from Adam Hess. The goal gave the Crusaders a two-goal cushion that proved crucial down the stretch.

As the game entered its final 15 minutes, Lycoming sensed the urgency and increased the pressure in the offensive end. After some frustrating near misses, Andrew Rampulla (Jr./Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Cumberland Valley) finally broke through, touching a crossing pass from Jeff Kocher (Jr./Churchville, Md.; C. Milton Wright) into the corner of the net.

The Warriors kept the pressure on and nearly tied the score on at least two occasions, but their emphasis in the offensive zone left them vulnerable to a counterattack. Susquehanna took advantage and sealed  the victory when Justin Makar put away a rebound off a shot by Nate Gibboney at the 83:20 mark.

Jason Fesler (Sr./Carlisle, Pa.; Cumberland Valley) made four saves in goal for Lycoming. Austin Kelsey made six saves in net for the Crusaders.

The Warriors are back in action on Sunday, September 12, when they travel to Chestnut Hill College. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at the United Sports Center in Downingtown, Pa.

Soccer Game Summary (Final)  (Sep 10, 2004 at Selinsgrove, PA)
 Lycoming Warriors (2-1) vs. Susquehanna Univ. (4-0)
 Date: Sep 10, 2004  Attendance: 75  Weather: Clear, mild

 Goals by period       1  2  Tot
 -------------------------------
 Lycoming Warriors...  0  1 -  1
 Susquehanna Univ....  0  3 -  3

 SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  47:17 SUS Mike Keim (Nate Snyder)
  2.  51:13 SUS Nate Snyder (8) (Adam Hess) - Breakaway
  3.  78:12 LYCO Andrew Rampulla (Jeff Kocher)
  4.  83:20 SUS Justin Makar (Nate Gibboney) - Rebound

 Shots: Lycoming Warriors 9, Susquehanna Univ. 13
 Saves: Lycoming Warriors 4 (Jason Fesler 4), Susquehanna Univ. 6 (Austin Kelsey 6)