Men’s soccer jumps to 2nd in PSAC

The West Chester University men’s soccer team went 1-0-1 this week. They had a 3-1 win at Lock Haven on Wednesday, and had a scoreless double overtime tie at home against Bloomsburg on Saturday.
On Wednesday, they were in a good matchup against Lock Haven, even though the score does not dictate it. Throughout the entire first and second half it was locked up at one a piece. Nine minutes into the game, Connor Malarney scored after the ball ricocheted off his body for his fifth goal of the season. Lock Haven then tied up the game in the 53rd minute on a goal by Asher Klahold. That was the only attempt that Lock Haven had on goal, with the rest of the game being dominated by West Chester. With 10 minutes to play in the match, the Golden Rams netted two goals, one by Dan Venuto, which was a header from Roberto Silva. The second goal in those ten minutes was Connor Malarney’s second of the game and sixth of the season on an assist from Alex Caplan.
The Golden Rams then hosted Bloomsburg on Saturday. In a very physical battle with numerous opportunities for both sides, both teams came up short and it ended in a scoreless double overtime tie. West Chester had 25 shots on goal to Bloomsburg’s 14. The best opportunity for Bloomsburg was in the first half when they had numerous shots at goal, but goalkeeper Ryan Shultz played very well and halted anything that came close to the goal. West Chester really did not have many opportunities until the first overtime period, when they had six shots on goal in the period alone. Connor Malarney had two shots that were stopped by Bloomsburg goalkeeper, Bernie Roell. Also freshman Miguel Ross had a few chances, one in the overtime period that nearly ended the game. He took a pass from Marlarney and attempted a header that nearly snuck in the left side of the goal, but was stopped by Roell.
West Chester is now 2-2-2, and 2-1-1 in the PSAC. Next up this week for the Golden Rams is an away matchup at East Stroudsburg on Tuesday at 6:30. That is the only match that they have until Oct. 2nd, which is an away game, the following Wednesday at Wilmington University. East Stroudsburg is 0-5-1 at the bottom at the PSAC standings. Coach Benn was not available for comment. West Chester is currently 2nd in the PSAC standings behind Seton Hill (3-0 in the conference). West Chester looks to take control of these next two games so that they can compete for the top spot in the PSAC. They seem to have controlled the early season jitters as new coach Benn and his squad seemed like they have finally calmed down and settled into the season very nicely.
Ryan Calpin is a second year student majoring in communications studies with a minor in jounralism. He can be reached at RC784188@wcupa.edu.