Millersville, Pa. - The Millersville men's soccer team received goals from Jordan Brubaker and Ben Johnston in a 2-1 victory over Lock Haven Saturday afternoon on Pucillo Field. Prior to the match, the Marauders honored their four seniors: Clark Habecker, Anthony Fratini, Austin Hoke, and Jordan Brubaker.
Millersville (5-10-1, 4-5 PSAC) controlled the pace of the contest for most of the match as it turned out to be one of the most physical affairs to date. Both the Marauders and Bald Eagles combined to commit a total of 27 fouls including six yellow card cautions. The loss drops Lock Haven to 5-9-1 overall and 4-5-0 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action.
The win was huge for Millersville's postseason hopes. The team now sits in a tie for seventh with Lock Haven, one spot and one point out of the final playoff spot. Millersville has two games remaining on the schedule but the team it trails, Gannon, owns the head-to-head tiebreaker.
The Black & Gold wasted little time getting onto the board as they scored the first goal of the match in the 19th minute. Freshman Jesse Zimmerman was able to carry the ball up the left side of the pitch and crossed the ball to the right side of the box finding the head of Jordan Brubaker who headed the ball into the back of the net. The goal for Brubaker was only the second of his career as the senior defender is mostly known for his stout defensive play on the back line.
Lock Haven tied the contest just minutes later when Tyler Sablyak scored his second goal of the season. Sablyak received a long pass from midfield and out-paced a defender creating a one-on-one with goalkeeper Kohl Orner. Bald Eagle midfielder Ben Weaver was credited with the assist. The score remained tied through halftime.
Ben Johnston was able to net his first goal of 2014 just before the 50th minute when he fired a shot past Lock Haven keeper Jonathan Howitt. Johnston was set up beautifully by teammate Alex LaFaver who left Johnston all alone on the right side of the box and he fired a laser into the lower left corner of the net.
For the match Millersville held a 15-9 advantage in shots over Lock Haven, with seven of the 15 on the goal frame. Kohl Orner was only truly tested three times as he ended the contest wuth two saves.
Millersville is currently in eighth place in the PSAC, the final playoff position. The Marauders have two games remaining, both on the road. Coach Widdowson's team will have a week to prepare for the Seton Hill Griffins before they travel to Greensburg on Saturday. The match is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
