2008 Game Summaries

Nov. 14 (NCAA championships first round): Susquehanna 0, #9 Ohio Wesleyan 1
Nov. 8 (Landmark Conference championship game): Susquehanna 1, Catholic 0
Nov. 5 (Landmark Conference championships semifinal): Susquehanna 2, Scranton 1 (OT)
Nov. 1: Susquehanna 2, Catholic 1
Oct. 29: Susquehanna 0, Elizabethtown 1
Oct. 25 (Senior Day): Susquehanna 1, Drew 2
Oct. 21: Susquehanna 5, Juniata 4
Oct. 18: Susquehanna 2, Moravian 2
Oct. 15: Susquehanna 0, Franklin & Marshall 1
Oct. 11: Susquehanna 3, USMMA 2
Oct. 4: Susquehanna 3, Goucher 1
Oct. 1: Susquehanna 3, Wilkes 0
Sept. 27: Susquehanna 3, Scranton 1
Sept. 24: Susquehanna 2, Lebanon Valley 1
Sept. 20: Susquehanna 0, #3 York (Pa.) 4
Sept. 16: Susquehanna 0, Misericordia 4
Sept. 13: Susquehanna 0, Dickinson 3
Sept. 10 (Battle of the Boot): Susquehanna 1, Lycoming 0
Sept. 6: Susquehanna 2, Allegheny 0
Sept. 5: Susquehanna 1, SUNY Oneonta 0
Aug. 30: Susquehanna 3, Wheeling Jesuit 1

Nov. 14 (NCAA championships first round): Susquehanna 0, #9 Ohio Wesleyan 1 Box Score

DELAWARE, Ohio — Nationally ranked No. 9 Ohio Wesleyan University scored with two seconds remaining in double overtime to avoid an upset by visiting Susquehanna University in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Division III men's soccer championships at Roy Rike Field on Nov. 14.

An Ohio Wesleyan (17–4–1 overall) forward ended the game with a long ball that found its way all the way through the Susquehanna (13–7–1 overall) penalty box and into the right of the goal.

Despite Ohio Wesleyan outshooting Susquehanna, 9–2, in the first half, SU played good enough defense to keep the game scoreless after 45 minutes.

The teams played a very fast-paced, back-and-forth second half, though Ohio Wesleyan still took 14 shots to the Crusaders' eight. Thanks to key saves by Susquehanna's sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) in the 76th and 77th minutes and a missed chance by Ohio Wesleyan on an empty net with one second remaining in regulation, the game went into extra time.

Susquehanna controlled play in the first overtime period, taking two shots to the Battling Bishops' one, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. The Crusaders' junior midfielder Ralph Larsen (McElhattan, Pa./Central Mountain) and senior defender Matt Campbell (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley) tried for the “golden goal” in the 94th and 95th minutes, respectively, but both of their shots flew wide of the net.

Just 12 seconds into the second overtime, a shot by SU's sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) was blocked, creating a corner kick for the Orange and Maroon. Freshman midfielder Bobby Long (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) placed the ball in the box for a header by senior defender Isaac Laubach (Millville, Pa./Millville Area) that flew just right of cage.

Susquehanna's final shot at victory came with 2 minutes, 10 seconds left on a Robertiello boot that brought the visiting crowd to its feet but flew high of the crossbar.

Ohio Wesleyan, which was whistled for offsides 12 times to just once for Susquehanna, finally ended the game on the last-second goal. Had the game remained scoreless through two overtime periods, the advancing team would have been determined by penalty kicks.

Merriam tallied 11 saves amidst all 109:58 of play. The Battling Bishops' goalkeeper made two saves while playing the whole game as well.

Susquehanna enjoyed a 9–6 advantage in corner kicks, including taking the only three of the second overtime.

Nov. 8 (Landmark Conference championship game): Susquehanna 1, Catholic 0 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Senior co-captain and midfielder Matt Gawlas (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) scored the game’s lone goal to lead host Susquehanna University to a 1–0 win over The Catholic University of America in the 2008 Landmark Conference men’s soccer championship game at Sassafras Fields on Nov. 8.

Susquehanna (13–6–1 overall) earned its first conference title in school history one game after becoming the winningest team in program history. The Crusaders last appeared in a conference championship game in 2006.

Susquehanna, the Landmark tournament's No. 2 seed, defeated No. 3 The University of Scranton, 2–1 in overtime, while No. 4 Catholic (12–6–0 overall) upset No. 1 Drew University, 1–0, on Nov. 5 to advance to the conference final.

At 19 minutes, 33 seconds, a Cardinals player brought the visiting crowd to its feet on a breakaway shot that flirted with the scoreboard but flew just right of the goal. It wasn’t until Gawlas’ heroics at 32:37 that the scoreboard read 1–0.

A long pass that was sent into the penalty box via a Susquehanna boot was punched out of the air by the Cardinals goalkeeper before landing within striking distance of Gawlas. Gawlas connected and sent the eventual game-winning goal into an empty net.

Susquehanna chanced a 2–0 advantage in the 41st minute when senior forward Malek Giet (Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Twp.) beat two defenders and floated a shot just inches high of the crossbar.

In a game riddled with penalty cards, shots on goal were few and far between. SU’s B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made a save with only 31 seconds of play left in the game when a Catholic forward took one of his game-high five shots on a direct kick. It was one of two saves for Merriam.

In a tight game, the teams knotted eight shots apiece, while Susquehanna held a slight 5–4 edge in corner kicks.

Nov. 5 (Landmark Conference championships semifinal): Susquehanna 2, Scranton 1 (OT) Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) scored two goals, including the game-winner on a penalty kick in overtime, to lead Susquehanna University to a 2–1 win over The University of Scranton in a Landmark Conference championships semifinal at Sassafras Fields on Nov. 5.

The win makes head coach Jim Findlay's 2008 squad the winningest team in program history. Findlay's 2004 team and head coach Steve Reinhardt's 1993 team both won 11 games.

Susquehanna (12–6–1 overall) was the Landmark tournament's No. 2 seed. Scranton (9–4–4 overall) was No. 3.

Assisting on the first Robertiello goal was freshman midfielder Bobby Long (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional).

SU's B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made three saves in goal. Scranton's goalkeeper made six saves.

Following a scoreless first half, Scranton notched the game's first goal in the 71st minute off a through ball behind the Susquehanna defense.

Susquehanna, which outshot the Royals, 12–6, in the second half, finally got on the board with just three minutes, 40 seconds remaining in regulation when Robertiello took a cross from Long and beat the Royals goalie to the right side of the goal.

The Scranton goalie made two more saves the rest of the way, and Merriam made one with one second left to force overtime.

Both teams were close to making the score 1–0 earlier in the game, but defenders cleared the ball away on the goal line each time, accounting for one team save apiece.

Robertiello was hauled down in the penalty box only 3:05 into the extra period, which gave the Crusaders a chance for their second straight overtime win on a penalty kick (in back-to-back games.) The goalie guessed wrong by diving to his right, and Robertiello kicked the ball into an open left side of the goal, sending the SU sidelines onto the field for the celebration.

For the game, SU held a 16–11 advantage in shots and 3–1 edge in corner kicks. Scranton was whistled seven times for offsides to just once for Susquehanna.

The Crusaders advance to the 2008 conference championship game, where they will host No. 4-seeded The Catholic University of America on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.

Catholic upset host No. 1 Drew University, 1–0, in the other semifinal on Nov. 5. Drew was the 2007 conference champion.

Nov. 1: Susquehanna 2, Catholic 1 (OT) Box Score

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan Twp., N.J./St. John Vianney) scored two goals, including the game-winner on a penalty kick in overtime, to lead visiting Susquehanna University to a 2–1 win over The Catholic University of America in a Landmark Conference game at CUA Upper Fields on Nov. 1.

Nelson opened the scoring 33 minutes, 54 seconds into the first half when he finished off an assist from sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) . Robertiello and Nelson lead Susquehanna (11–6–1, 5–1–1 Landmark) in scoring this season with 26 and 23 points, respectively.

Catholic (11–5–0, 3–4–0 Landmark) scored its only goal of the game with only 5:20 to play in the second half.

Just 1:00 into the extra period, a loose ball found its way to the front of the Catholic net where Nelson was fouled. He made good on the ensuing penalty kick to give the Crusaders the win and the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Landmark playoffs. The Cardinals enter the conference tournament as the fourth and final seed.

Sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made four important saves in all 91 minutes to give SU a chance to win. The Catholic goalkeeper played all 91 minutes as well and made one save.

Corner kicks were even at 4–4.

Oct. 29: Susquehanna 0, Elizabethtown 1 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Senior defender Isaac Laubach (Millville, Pa./Millville Area) made a team save with a sliding stop on the goal line in the 38th minute, but Susquehanna University lost a tight 1–0 non-conference game to visiting Elizabethtown College at Sassafras Fields on Oct. 29.

Susquehanna (10–6–1 overall) actually outshot Elizabethtown (7–8–2 overall), 14–11. Sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made a game-high six saves to keep the Crusaders in the game. The Blue Jays goalkeeper made five stops.

Elizabethtown got the only goal of the game 16 minutes, 33 seconds into the first half when a forward scored with a shot into the bottom right corner of the SU goal.

Both teams took two corner kicks in each half.

Oct. 25 (Senior Day): Susquehanna 1, Drew 2 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Despite scoring an impressive goal with one second of time remaining, Susquehanna University fell to Drew University, 2–1, in a Landmark Conference game on Senior Day at Sassafras Fields on Oct. 25.

Susquehanna (10–5–1, 4–1–1 Landmark) outshot Drew (12–2–3, 4–0–1 Landmark), 12–9, and held a 5–2 advantage in corner kicks.

Senior defender Isaac Laubach (Millville, Pa./Millville Area) scored the Crusaders' lone goal from the bottom left corner of the field to put the Orange and Maroon on the board, but it was too late for an SU comeback due to a pair of Rangers goals in the first half.

Sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) tallied four saves for SU in his first game action since Oct. 4.

Oct. 21: Susquehanna 5, Juniata 4 Box Score

HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) tied a school single-game goals record with the first hat trick of his collegiate career, and visiting Susquehanna University edged Juniata College, 5–4, in a Landmark Conference men's soccer game at Winton Hill Fields on Oct. 21.

Susquehanna (10–4–1, 4–0–1 Landmark) sits alone in first place in the conference thanks to the win. Robertiello leads the Crusaders with 10 goals and 25 points this season.

Robertiello scored the game's first goal in the 15th minute when he chipped a shot over the head of the Juniata (5–9–1, 0–4–1 Landmark) goalkeeper and into a wide-open net. Senior defender Matt Campbell (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley) assisted on the play.

Juniata scored the next two goals to take a brief lead, but Robertiello tallied an unassisted goal just 4 minutes, 56 seconds after the second Eagles goal to tie the game at 2–2. Senior defender Isaac Laubach (Millville, Pa./Millville Area) scored just 2:54 after that on a penalty kick to give Susquehanna a 3–2 lead entering halftime.

Robertiello scored again off an assist from sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan, N.J./St. John Vianney) only 3:25 into the second half for a 4–2 lead, but Juniata responded with a goal in the 61st minute to narrow the gap. Nelson's five assists this season ties with Robertiello for the team lead.

Senior midfielder Matt Gawlas (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) scored what proved to be the game-winner off an assist by junior midfielder Ralph Larsen (McElhattan, Pa./Central Mountain) from an indirect kick in the 84th minute. The goal and assist were Gawlas' and Larsen's firsts of the season, respectively.

Juniata scored on a penalty kick with just 1:03 left in the game, but the Crusaders defense ran out the clock to preserve the win.

Freshman Jed Lemon (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg Area) made three saves for Susquehanna. The Juniata goalie made six.

SU outshot the Eagles, 16–8, and took five corner kicks to Juniata's four.

Susquehanna has clinched its second straight berth in the Landmark men's soccer championships.

Oct. 18: Susquehanna 2, Moravian 2 Box Score

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan, N.J./St. John Vianney) scored one goal and assisted on another to help visiting Susquehanna University to a 2–2 tie with Moravian College in a Landmark Conference game at the Haupert Union Quadrangle on Oct. 18.

Nelson gave Susquehanna (9–4–1, 3–0–1 Landmark) a 1–0 lead just 25 seconds into the game off an assist from senior defender Matt Campbell (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley).

The teams went back-and-forth from there, as Moravian (5–7–2, 0–2–2 Landmark) responded with a tying goal in the ninth minute. The score was 1–1 at halftime.

Sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) finished off Nelson’s assist 4 minutes, 12 seconds into the second half, only to see the Greyhounds respond with an unassisted goal off a free kick in the 79th minute.

Neither team could find the net again through two overtime periods. Freshman Jed Lemon (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg Area) made five saves for the Crusaders, while the Moravian goalkeeper made 11, including one in the first overtime period.

SU outshot Moravian, 19–8, and took six corner kicks to the Greyhounds’ two.

The game was delayed for 30 minutes with 1:16 left in regulation due to an injured Susquehanna player.

The Crusaders stand alone in first place in the Landmark Conference.

Oct. 15: Susquehanna 0, Franklin & Marshall 1 Box Score

LANCASTER, Pa. — A Franklin & Marshall College midfielder made a team save on the goal line with just 4 minutes, 52 seconds to play to help shut out visiting Susquehanna University, 1–0, in a non-conference game at North Campus Athletic Field on Oct. 15.

Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan, N.J./St. John Vianney) fired a shot for Susquehanna (9–4–0 overall) that appeared headed for the back of the Franklin & Marshall (7–4–2 overall) net, but an F & M player stationed at the post blocked the ball as it was about to cross the line.

F & M scored the only goal just 4:05 into the game and also had a penalty shot in the 14th minute hit the SU goal post. Susquehanna's freshman Jed Lemon (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg Area) made his second start of the season in goal and made two saves. Susquehanna outshot the Diplomats, 9–4, and took 10 corner kicks to F & M's three.

The loss snaps a five-game winning streak for the Crusaders.

Oct. 11: Susquehanna 3, USMMA 2 Box Score

KINGS POINT, N.Y. — Senior defender and All-America candidate Isaac Laubach (Millville, Pa./Millville Area) scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick to break a knotted game and lead Susquehanna University to a 3–2 Landmark Conference victory over the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Captain James Harvey Tomb Field on Oct. 11.

Susquehanna (9–3 overall, 3–0 Landmark) sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan, N.J./St. John Vianney) beat a Mariners (9–5 overall, 1–3 Landmark) defender to place the ball in the lower left corner of the goal to give Susquehanna an early 1–0 lead at 1 minute, 57 seconds into the first half. Merely 12 seconds later, Nelson fed the ball to freshman midfielder Austin Gordon (Millburn, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) to go ahead, 2–0.

The Mariners tallied the next two goals at 16:36 and 35:09, to tie up the game entering halftime.

At 61:14, a Susquehanna shot was blocked, leading to Laubach’s penalty kick that put the Crusaders ahead for good.

The Crusaders outshot the Mariners, 17–12, despite the USMMA holding a 6–3 advantage in corner kicks.

Freshman goalkeeper Jed Lemon (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg Area) made five saves during his first collegiate start for the Orange and Maroon.

Oct. 4: Susquehanna 3, Goucher 1 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) scored one goal and assisted on another to help lead Susquehanna University to a 3–1 Landmark Conference win over visiting Goucher College at Sassafras Fields on Oct. 4. The game was part of Susquehanna’s 2008 Homecoming festivities.

Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan, N.J./St. John Vianney) gave Susquehanna (8–3–0, 2–0–0 Landmark) the lead for good when he one-touched a grounded cross pass from Robertiello past the Goucher (5–4–1, 0–1–0 Landmark) goalkeeper in the 18th minute.

The score was 1–0 at the half, but it was almost 2–0 before an official waved off an apparent last-second goal in the first half with an offsides call. Nonetheless, SU outshot the Gophers, 7–3, in the first 45 minutes, though neither team took a corner kick.

Corners were actually 2–1 in favor of Goucher in the second half, but shots and goals were in the Crusaders’ favor, 8–6 and 2–1, respectively.

Freshman midfielder Austin Gordon (Millburn, N.J./St. Benedict’s Prep) scored the eventual game-winner in the 61st minute. Freshman midfielder Bobby Long (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) centered a pass that deflected off a Gophers defender and right to Gordon for a shot to the back of the Goucher net.

Robertiello added insurance with a goal just 3 minutes, 4 seconds later when he settled a lofted through ball from senior midfielder Matt Gawlas (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) and registered his team-leading sixth goal and 17th point of the season.

Goucher scored on a penalty kick in the 82nd minute just before sophomore goalkeeper B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) left the game. Merriam played 82:09 and made one save to just the one goal allowed. He was replaced in net by freshman Jed Lemon (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg), who made one save in his collegiate debut over the final 7:51.

The Goucher goalkeeper played all 90 minutes and made three saves.

Oct. 1: Susquehanna 3, Wilkes 0 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made four saves to post his fourth shutout of 2008, and Susquehanna University blanked visiting Wilkes University, 3–0, at Sassafras Fields on Oct. 1.

Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan, N.J./St. John Vianney) gave Susquehanna (7–3–0 overall) all the offense it needed when he took a through ball from sophomore midfielder Brandon Eisenhart (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) and beat the Wilkes (5–5–0 overall) goalkeeper in the 32nd minute.

Nelson's goal was the only one of the first half, but Wilkes switched goalies to start the second half after being outshot, 9–3, in the first. Susquehanna took 17 shots in the game to the Colonels' six. Corner kicks were even at 4–4.

Junior forward Andrew Cole (Wellsboro, Pa./Wellsboro Area) beat the second Wilkes goalie with a long shot in the 59th minute to provide the Crusaders with some insurance. Senior forward Malek Giet (Harrisburg, Pa./Susquehanna Twp.) assisted.

Freshman midfielder Bobby Long (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) put the game away in the 68th minute when his crossing pass deflected off a defender and into the Wilkes net for Long's first collegiate goal.

Sept. 27: Susquehanna 3, Scranton 1 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) scored two goals, including the eventual game-winner off a header, and assisted on another goal to lead Susquehanna University to a 3–1 Landmark Conference win over The University of Scranton at Sassafras Fields on Sept. 27.

Robertiello put Susquehanna (6–3–0, 1–0–0 Landmark) ahead to stay when his cross pass was finished by sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan Twp., N.J./St. John Vianney) in the 20th minute.

Robertiello scored his first goal when he beat a Scranton (4–3–2, 1–1–0 Landmark) goalkeeper with a header in the 31st minute. Freshman midfielder Bobby Long (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) assisted.

Robertiello provided more insurance with a goal off an assist from freshman midfielder Austin Gordon (Millburn, N.J./St. Benedict’s Prep) in the 64th minute.

Scranton got its only goal shortly after in the 65th minute off a penalty kick.

That was the only goal that Crusaders sophomore goalkeeper B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) allowed. Merriam made five saves while playing all 90 minutes.

Two Royals goalies split time in net and combined for four saves.

The Crusaders outshot Scranton, 15-11, and took eight corner kicks to the Royals’ three.

Sept. 24: Susquehanna 2, Lebanon Valley 1 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) scored one goal and assisted on the game-winning goal to help lead Susquehanna University to a 2–1 win over visiting Lebanon Valley College at Sassafras Fields on Sept. 24.

Robertiello netted the game's first goal when he lofted a one-touch shot past the Lebanon Valley College (4–5–0 overall) goalkeeper in the 19th minute. Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan, N.J./St. John Vianney) assisted.

Susquehanna (5–3–0 overall) had a noticeable edge in play during the first half. The Crusaders took six shots to Lebanon Valley's four in the first 45 minutes and held a 4–2 advantage in corner kicks, but play evened out in the second half. Shots were even at 6–6, and corner kicks slimmed to 2–1 in favor of Susquehanna.

The Flying Dutchmen finally broke through when a loose ball made its way past the Susquehanna defense and onto the foot of an LVC attacker, who beat SU sophomore goalkeeper B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) in the 75th minute to tie the game at 1–1.

The Crusaders got that goal back when sophomore forward Shane Atha (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) scored the eventual game-winner with just 4 minutes, 36 seconds to play in the second half off Robertiello's assist. The goal came as a result of a loose ball following a throw-in deep in the Flying Dutchmen end.

Merriam made one save for Susquehanna, while Lebanon Valley's goalie made two.

Sept. 20: Susquehanna 0, #3 York (Pa.) 4 Box Score

MILLVILLE, Pa. — Susquehanna's sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made seven saves, but Susquehanna University lost, 4–0, to nationally ranked No. 3 York College of Pennsylvania in a neutral-site men's soccer game at Millville Area High School on Sept. 20.

York (7–0–0 overall) scored all four of its goals in the first half. The first two goals came just 26 seconds apart in the 24th minute. The score ran to 3–0 in the 34th minute before a Spartans player finished the scoring with three minutes, 8 seconds left before halftime off a corner-kick assist.

Merriam played all 90 minutes for the Crusaders (4–3–0 overall), while three players shared time in goal for York to total two saves.

York outshot Susquehanna, 15–8, but corner kicks were even at 5–5.

Sept. 16: Susquehanna 0, Misericordia 4 Box Score

DALLAS, Pa. — Susquehanna's sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made 10 saves, but visiting Susquehanna University lost, 4–0, to Misericordia University at Mangelsdorf Field on Sept. 16.

Misericordia (4–2–0 overall) scored two goals in each half, including two in the last 5 minutes, 45 seconds of the second period, to put Susquehanna (4–2–0 overall) away late.

Despite the score, the game was played close, with Misericordia holding only a 15–11 edge in shots and trailing the Crusaders in corner kicks, 5–3.

The Cougars goalkeeper made five saves. Both he and Merriam played all 90 minutes in goal.

Sept. 13: Susquehanna 0, Dickinson 3 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Susquehanna's sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made five saves, but visiting Dickinson College topped Susquehanna University at Sassafras Fields on Sept. 13.

Three different players scored goals for Dickinson (4–1–0 overall), and three different players tallied assists. The Red Devils outshot Susquehanna (4–1–0 overall), 14–7, and took three corner kicks to the Crusaders' two.

Dickinson scored the eventual game-winner in the 24th minute with a low shot to the left corner. The Red Devils scored again with just 1 minute, 2 seconds left in the first half off with a shot to the upper left corner. They added more insurance with the only goal of the second half. The last goal sailed just over the reach of Merriam and into the back of the middle of the net in the 79th minute.

Sept. 10 (Battle of the Boot): Susquehanna 1, Lycoming 0 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. —Sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) scored a highlight reel goal off an assist from sophomore forward Shane Atha (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) to push Susquehanna University past visiting Lycoming College, 1–0, at Sassafras Fields on Sept. 10 — the 2008 edition of the “Battle of the Boot.”

Sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) was active in goal for Susquehanna (4–0–0 overall) but did not have to make an official save while posting his third straight shutout. The Warriors goalkeeper made four saves for Lycoming (2–1–1 overall), including stopping a point-blank rebound attempt off the goal post with just 16 minutes, 2 seconds remaining in the second half  to keep the game scoreless.

Robertiello broke the scoreless tie with 9:55 to play though when he took a pass from Atha, made a couple of quick moves and beat the diving keeper to his right with a shot through the mouth of the penalty box.

The Crusaders outshot Lycoming, 15–4, but took just as many corner kicks as the Warriors — three.

Susquehanna keeps possession of “the Boot” — a bronzed and mounted soccer shoe trophy that is annually played for between both teams.

Sept. 6: Susquehanna 2, Allegheny 0 Box Score

ONEONTA, N.Y. — Susquehanna University defeated Allegheny College, 2–0, in the championship game of SUNY Oneonta's Mayor's Cup tournament at Red Dragon Soccer Field on Sept. 6.

In addition to bringing home the title, the Crusaders collected two all–tournament team spots. Sophomore midfielder Brandon Eisenhart (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) was named offensive MVP, while sophomore goalkeeper B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) was named defensive MVP.

Susquehanna (3–0 overall) shut out its second straight opponent in Allegheny (1–2 overall). Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan Twp., N.J./St. John Vianney) and junior midfielder Ralph Larsen (McElhattan, Pa./Central Mountain) each grabbed a goal to help lead the Crusaders to the tournament championship.

In the 22nd minute, sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) booted a pass across the box to find the feet of Nelson. Nelson sent the ball into the top left corner of the goal to notch the eventual game-winner.

The Crusaders put the game away in the 78th minute when Larsen found the back of the net off an assist from senior defender Matt Campbell (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley).

Susquehanna held a 10–8 advantage in shots and took 12 corner kicks to the Gators' seven.

Merriam tallied his second shutout of the weekend by making two saves.

Sept. 5: Susquehanna 1, SUNY Oneonta 0 Box Score

ONEONTA, N.Y. — Visiting Susquehanna University defeated SUNY Oneonta, 1–0, in the opening game of the Mayor's Cup tournament at Red Dragon Soccer Field on Sept. 6.

Susquehanna (2–0 overall) picked up the game's only goal in the 51st minute when sophomore midfielder Brandon Eisenhart (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) collected a loose ball at the top of the penalty box and hit the upper right hand corner of the goal to beat the Oneonta (2–1) goalkeeper.

At the 33-minute mark, sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) almost broke the 0–0 stalemate, but an Oneonta defender cleared the ball just before it crossed the goal line.

Susquehanna held a 16–9 advantage in shots, including an 11–5 edge in the first half, and took eight corner kicks to the Red Dragons' three.

Sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) tallied three saves, including a dramatic stop in the 66th minute, to preserve the win for the orange and maroon.

Aug. 30: Susquehanna 3, Wheeling Jesuit 1 Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan Twp., N.J./St. John Vianney) and sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) each scored one goal and added an assist to help lead Susquehanna University to a 3–1 win over Wheeling Jesuit University in a men's soccer game at Sassafras Fields on Aug. 30.

Junior midfielder Andrew Cordell Carey (Fenwick Island, Del./Indian River) scored the other goal for NCAA Division III Susquehanna (1–0 overall) off an assist from freshman midfielder Bobby Long (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional). Sophomore B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) made five saves for the Crusaders.

Neither team scored until Cordell Carey beat the Wheeling Jesuit goalkeeper in the 66th minute after corralling a long cross from Long. Nelson finished a Robertiello cross in the 87th minute to provide some insurance, but Wheeling Jesuit made things interesting with a goal only 13 seconds later.

Robertiello finished a Nelson pass with 38 seconds left in the game to ice it.

Susquehanna held a 17–9 advantage in shots, including a 9–1 edge in the first half, and took three corner kicks to the Cardinals' two.