EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. –
Matt Lynch scored two goals and
Bobby Bosch made six huge saves to propel Millersville to a 2-0 victory over East Stroudsburg. The victory, along with West Chester's win over Bloomsburg, earned the Marauders the final Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East playoff berth. 'Ville will be the No. 3 seed in the tournament and is set to travel to No. 2 seed West Chester on Tuesday, Nov. 9 for a PSAC Quarterfinal match.
Millersville (11-5, 7-4 PSAC East) started the scoring in the 30' when
Anthony Calamia sent a pass over the Warrior defense from midfield to a sprinting
Matt Lynch. Lynch took control of the pass at the top of the ESU box with only the keeper to beat, he did so and scored to put 'Ville up one. East Stroudsburg had a chance to evan the score right before going into halftime when Trevor Paone set up for a PK right outside the Marauder box. Paone fired a near perfect ball to the bottom left corner of the goal but was met by a diving
Bobby Bosch, the save would take Millersville into the half with a lead.
Just two minutes into the second half Paone fired a shot from just outside of the Millersville box that Bosch clipped with the top of his fingers to keep the score 1-0. The Marauders would take a 2-0 lead in the 53' when
Spencer Shortt fed a ball into the box for Lynch from 20 yards out, Lynch would receive it cleanly and head it in. 'Ville hung on for a 2-0 victory that clinched the final postseason berth in the PSAC East.
POST GAME REACTION FROM HEAD COACH STEVE WIDDOWSON
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Overall thoughts on the match: "I thought we played a very complete game today. We rode out the difficult patches of the game very well, controlled and moved the ball with confidence and took two good chances. The defending was committed and that was as pleasing as anything."
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On the guys' mindset: "There wasn't any change today. For the last three games we talked about the importance of putting up shutouts, controlling possession and being happy to win 1-0 if that's what it took. We've done better than that but the mindset has helped that accomplishment."
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On clinching the playoffs and moving on to Saturday: "Obviously we are happy to be in the playoffs but our standards dictate we want more. Firstly, we need another good performance on Saturday to go into the playoffs on a high and also to honor our seniors last game on Pucillo. We can be more relaxed but the mindset remains the same."
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• ESU held the edge in shots 14-9, and shots on goal 6-3.
• Bosch finished the match with six saves, and a shutout win.
• The Warriors held an edge in corner kicks, 7-6.
• Lynch sent two shots on goal, Calamia was behind him with one.
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Jake Altimore received a yellow in the match.
NOTES
• The win brings the Millersville all-time record versus the ESU to 20-46-5.
• The playoff berth marks six consecutive postseason appearances for Head Coach
Steve Widdowson. He has only missed the postseason once since his arrival to Millersville in 2007.
UP NEXT
• The Marauders will head home on Saturday, Nov. 6 for the regular season finale against Bloomsburg. Millersville will honor their senior class 25 minutes before the start of play, and will recognize the 10th anniversary of the 2011 team that reached the NCAA Semifinals. The match is slated to begin at 2 p.m. at Pucillo Field.
