Joel Wilson – Staff Writer

jnw5443@psu.edu

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon on October 22 in Erie for a soccer match. With
temperatures in the low 70’s under clear blue skies, the Behrend Lions prepared to take on the
Pitt-Greensburg Bobcats in the AMCC Game of the Week.
So far this season, the Lions have posted a 10-2-4 record with a 4-0-1 conference record.
Coming into this game, Behrend had won 16 matches against Pitt-Greenburg and is 22-4 against
them in the rivalry’s history.
Before kickoff, Behrend seniors Sean Abraham and Nick Laskey were honored during a short
on-field ceremony. Both players have helped their school greatly throughout their collegiate
careers and look forward to bright futures after their playing days are over.
At the 20-minute mark, the Behrend Lions were awarded a corner. Penn State’s freshman
midfielder Jac Caputo took the corner. Sophomore midfielder Blake Cooper found Caputo’s kick
and knocked the ball over to junior defender Andrew Cassano. Cassano promptly headed the
ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 Lions lead. Cooper was credited with an assist – his fourth
of the season – and Cassano was credited with a goal – his first of the season.
While Penn State only scored one goal, they dominated the first half. Almost the entire opening
45 minutes were played in Greensburg territory. Behrend put together 11 shots and forced
three saves out of the Bobcats’ keeper Danny Rodgers.
Penn State added onto their 1-0 lead during the second half. Not even 10 minutes removed
from half time, Penn State was awarded a corner. A double assist was scored during the 54
minutes by Caputo and senior Justin LeDonne. Senior Justin Hockenberger was credited with his
7th goal of the season.
The Behrend Lions found the back of the net again during the 71st minute. Junior Nate
Rondinelli scored his 3rd goal of the season on an assist from Sophomore Jonathan Swann.
Penn State’s final goal of the afternoon came off the foot of Junior John Ziobro. Ziobro dribbled
the ball back and forth between his feet as he approached the Bobcat keeper. He deftly placed
the ball past Rogers’ diving reach and into the bottom right corner of the net. Ziobro’s 6th goal
of the season was assisted by freshman Mason Le. This would put the score at 4-0.
Those supporting PSU on Saturday certainly were not disappointed by their team’s
performance. A small group of fans seated along the sideline were so inspired by Ziobro’s
masterful footwork and placement that they broke out into a chorus of “Seven Nation Army.”
While the second half may have been more even in terms of possession distribution, the
Behrend Lions were still the dominant side. When the full-time whistle sounded, the score
officially and finally stood 4-0 Penn State. The Behrend Lions managed 20 shots. As for the
Greensburg-Pitt Bobcats, they managed a mere 3.
Penn State’s record improved to 5-0-1 in AMCC play and 11-2-4 overall. The rivalry record now
stands at 23-4 in favor of Penn State. The men’s soccer team’s next game will be Tuesday,
October 25 against Pitt-Bradford, kickoff will be at 3:00 p.m.