MEADVILLE, Pa. - The Gators (6-3, 1-0 NCAC) made it three straight 1-0 victories on Saturday, defeating Denison (5-2-1, 0-1 NCAC) in the squad's first conference game of the year, a rematch of last season's NCAC Championship game. http://www.allegheny.edu
Gators Victorious in NCAC Opener
September 22, 2007
MEADVILLE, Pa. - The Gators (6-3, 1-0 NCAC) made it three straight 1-0 victories on Saturday, defeating Denison (5-2-1, 0-1 NCAC) in the squad's first conference game of the year, a rematch of last season's NCAC Championship game.
Both squads played stellar defense in a very physical first half of soccer. Neither team was able to crack the score column, as the Gators attempted four shots to only two for Denison. The half’s biggest threat came on an Eric Sloan (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon) penalty kick that was turned away by a diving save from Denison goalie Kevin Donahue with 28 minutes remaining in the stanza.
The pace picked up a bit in the second half and the Gators wasted no time taking advantage, as Jim Beyer (Pittsford, N.Y./Pittsford Mendon) broke away from the defense and scored his second goal of the season, giving Allegheny a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute.
The Gators were able to withstand the Big Red’s consistent offensive pressure the rest of the way, including a late flurry in front of the net with just under four minutes left to play, earning the 1-0 win.
Each of Allegheny’s last three games have ended in a 1-0 Gator victory.
Ryan Larkin picked up his third straight shutout in net after stopping four shots. Donahue recorded five saves in the losing effort for Denison.
Overall, Allegheny outshot the Big Red 12-9 while Denison held a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Allegheny returns to action on Tuesday, September 25 with a road contest at Oberlin. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.