LANGHORNE, PA – As any coach would probably agree, the game of soccer generally boils down to making the most of one’s opportunities.

In a contest that all-in-all probably could have gone either way, Widener University managed to capitalize on one of their opportunities midway through the first half, netting what ended up being the lone goal of the game at the 31:09 mark to escape with a 1-0 victory over PBU Wednesday afternoon.

Nevertheless, Widener’s 5-0 drubbing of the Crimson Eagles last season looked a distant memory as the host squad went blow-for-blow with the Pride throughout the majority of the contest, minus one catostraphic defensive lapse.

With things deadlocked at 0-0, Widener sophomore forward Justin Havaker broke the tie with 13:51 remaining in the opening stanza after collecting a feed from freshman Preston Dudley and pushing it past PBU keeper Andy Ecker.

PBU had several key scoring chances throughout the remainder of the match, including a second half rocket inside the 18 that sent Widener goalie Hamed Correa sprawling through the air to come up with a somewhat miraculous fingertip save. But the Crimson Eagles were ultimately unable to convert as the group registered their first shutout defeat of the season in the loss.

Widener held a slight advantage in total shots for the game (16-10) while the Crimson Eagles managed a significant edge in corners taken (10-3). PBU sophomore goalkeeper Andy Ecker notched double-digit saves for the second consecutive contest, finishing the game with 10.

PBU drops to 0-3 with the loss, marking the first time in four years the soccer team has failed to win a game through their first three tries. Widener improves to 2-2-1.

The Crimson Eagles will travel north to Clarks Summit, PA to go up against longtime rival Baptist Bible College this Saturday. The contest with the Defenders marks PBU’s first ever game in CSAC competition. Match time is 3:00 pm.