MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The Millersville men's soccer team soared to a three-goal, shutout victory over Shepherd on Wednesday night behind a career-high two goals from Christian Vorchheimer. The win came at a much-needed time as the Marauders find themselves in a tight race for a postseason berth. Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg lead the division with 16 points each, followed by 'Ville (7-3-4, 4-2-3 PSAC East) with 15 points and West Chester with 14 points.

The first half of play didn't see any scoring, despite 11 shots sent towards the Shepherd (1-8-5, 0-6-2 PSAC East) net by Millersville. Ram keeper, Billy Wood was able to stop all seven shots on-goal to keep the scoreboard at zeros heading into the second.

The fun started at Pucillo Field just before the 59' when Zander Leik found Vorchheimer cutting into the Rams' box. The sophomore received the pass, gathered himself and fired a shot dead-center over the outstretched arm of Wood, giving the Marauders a 1-0 lead.

Vorchheimer would find the back of Shepherd's net again less than a minute later, this time from much further out. The midfielder dribbled the ball five yards outside of Shepherd's box before sending a near-perfect shot into the top-right corner of the net, again, beating out the outstretched arm of Wood.

Millersville would score its insurance goal off a free-kick by Mike Kreider in the 74'. Kreider, stationed ten yards to the left of Shepherds' box, served a ball that made its way over the heads of multiple players before finding a wide-open Aaron Maynard, who headed it in with ease.

POSTGAME REACTION FROM HEAD COACH STEVE WIDDOWSON
Overall thoughts on the win: " It was really a game of two halves. We were far too slow and passive in the first half. In the second half we were more positive, doing things we worked on yesterday in training and more determined. Once we got that aggressiveness and tempo, we started to get more threatening and eventually got some reward."
On building momentum late: "It was critical that we got two wins from these games to build both momentum and confidence. There are no bad teams in this conference, so we need to be at our highest level every time. There are not many games left now so everyone is pushing hard and we have to be ready to battle and perform every remaining minute of the season."

On Vorchhemier's night: " We have been waiting a long time for that. We know what Christian is capable of so it was good to see that ruthlessness and determination come out of him in the second half. Now we hope he can bring those characteristics more often as it will be a huge plus for both him and the team."

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Millersville outshot Shepherd 26-6, including a 12-1 edge on-frame.
• The Marauders drew nine corners, while the Rams earned three.
• Vorchheimer led the team with three shots on-goal. Kreider sent in a team-high in total shots with four.
• Bobby Bosch earned the victory in goal.

UP NEXT
Millersville will be back at Pucillo Field on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. to face off with West Chester.