Strong First Half Lifts Lions to First Win

ADA, Ohio – The Penn State Behrend Men's soccer team notched its first win of the season by beating Defiance 3-0 in the first round of the Ohio Northern Invitational Friday evening.

The Lions (1-1-1) used a strong offensive first half to gain control of the game.  Freshman, Jimmy Belack (Upper St. Clair, PA/Upper St. Clair) led the way with a career day knocking home his first collegiate goal and later recording an assist. At the 8:38 mark Belack's goal put Behrend up 1-0. Just 12 minutes later, senior Aaron Meehl (North East, PA/North East) added to the lead with his second goal of the year. Belack crossed the ball from the right side to Meehl to earn his second assist of the season.

With under a minute left in the first half, Eric Hackworth (Pittsburgh, PA/Shaler) took a deep shot from 60 yards out that found the back of the net for his first goal of the year.  On the play, Chris Pembridge (Bemus Point, NY/Maple Grove) tallied his first assist as a member of the Lions.

With a commanding 3-0 lead at half, Behrend used a strong defensive effort to secure the victory.  The Lions defense allowed just one shot on goal and cruised to the shutout win.  Senior goalkeeper Chris Bolea (Ambridge, PA/Ambridge) recorded his first win and shutout of the year.

Behrend will be back in action tomorrow afternoon against Ohio Northern at 2:30 p.m. to wrap up the weekend tournament.