Behrend Opens Conference Play With Thriller Win

ERIE, Pa - Penn State Behrend junior midfielder Matt Baleno (Pittsburgh, PA/Plum) scored in the 105th minute to lift the Lions over Pitt-Greensburg Saturday afternoon, 1-0. The Lions are now 6-1-2 overall after an exciting conference opener against the Bobcats.

Behrend (6-1-2, 1-0 AMCC) kept pressure on Pitt Greensburg (0-8, 0-1 AMCC) the entire match but were unable to slip it past goalkeeper Reese Laurell, who recorded five saves in the match. The Lions were finally rewarded when Baleno scored his first goal of the season.

The Bobcats never really threatened to score in the match, recording only one shot each half. Their agressive and chippy play however, kept the Lions from earning an easy chance to score in the first half.

The second half was dominated by Behrend, maintaining possesion of the ball in Pitt-Greensburg's end almost the whole 45 minutes but still were unable to score. Their dominating possession continued into the overtime periods when their relentless attack was finally rewarded.

At the 104:47 mark, senior midfielder Sean Gallagher (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) delivered a cross into the box where it was met by Baleno who's one-touch shot found its way past Laurell. Behrend is now on a four-game winning streak, scoring eight goals and giving up only one over that stretch.

The Lions will be back on the field Tuesday when they travel to Buffalo to take on conference oppontent D'Youville. Game time is set for 7 p.m.