Penn State Behrend Men's Soccer Wins 2009 ECAC Tournament Title

The Penn State Behrend men's soccer team (18-5-2) won the 2009 ECAC South Tournament Championship 2-0 over Wesley on Sunday, November 15, at Gannon University.

The Behrend Lions, making their fourth ECAC Tournament appearance, were the tournament's top seed and played like it through three consecutive ECAC games in 2009. After handling Neumann 2-1 in overtime, the defense stepped up and produced back-to-back shutouts in the semifinals and finals. The blue and white beat Lebanon Valley and Wesley 1-0 behind the standout play of the team defense anchored by senior goalkeeper Dustin Walker (Apollo/Kiski).

In Sunday's title game, the Behrend Lions hit the scoreboard at the 34:12 mark of the first half. Freshman Corey Hamilton (Erie, PA/Mercyhurst Prep) scored his fifth goal of the season after he connected on a header on the right side off a sweet pass from sophomore Aaron Meehl (North East/North East).

The game went to intermission with Behrend up 1-0. The blue and white continued to put pressure on Wesley's goalie with Ryan Banks (Allison Park, PA/Hampton) and Jerry Tortella (Pittsburgh, PA/Thomas Jefferson) getting multiple attempts on goal as Behrend outshot the Wolverines 26 to 9 on the day.

Then Meehl and junior midifielder Josh Teti (McKeesport, PA/Elizabeth Forward) worked for a goal at the 76:08 mark of the second period. This provided a 2-0 margin that would be put in the books as Behrend captured the program's first ever ECAC soccer title in a spectacular season which included a school record 18 win season. Goalkeeper, Dustin Walker was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. 

Wesley, the seven seed in the tournament, closed out the year with a 12-10 record.