Lions Battle Houghton to Draw, Fall In Shootout

Erie, Pa – The Penn State Behrend men's soccer team opened the 2016 season Friday night, tying Houghton 1-1 in the first round of the Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament.

Although playing even with the Highlanders (0-0-1) through regulation and two overtimes, the Lions (0-0-1) failed to advance to the championship game, falling in penalty kicks 3-2.

Matt Dziadosz (Leechburg, PA/Kiski Area) opened penalty kicks with a goal, hooking a left-footed shot past the Houghton goalkeeper. The Highlanders were quick to answer, converting their next three kicks while Behrend missed a pair. Sean Gallagher (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) came up in a must-score situation and buried his shot, but Andrew Bussey sealed the win on Houghton's final attempt.

Both teams scored their goals in the first half, with the Lions striking first. At the 17:35 mark, Dziadosz converted on a pass from Gallagher with a chip shot over the goalie. The Highlanders answered in the 44th minute on a goal from junior Bjorn Webb.

Behrend had many chances throughout the game to pull away from Houghton. Two goals were called back due to offsides and Dziadosz hit the post in the first overtime.

Chris Ralph (Murrysville, PA/Franklin Regional) and Macen DiPaolo (Cranberry, PA/Seneca Valley) made their first collegiate starts for the Lions. Ralph made his first save in goal while DiPaolo had a strong presence on defense.

Behrend will be back in action tomorrow, taking on Baldwin Wallace in the consolation game of the HLM Tournament at 5 p.m.