Boxscore
BRYN ATHYN, PA - PBU's Men's Soccer team blanked Bryn Athyn College 2-0 for their third win in a row, following wins over CSAC opponents Baptist Bible and Rosemont.
The Crimson Eagles had a plethora of opportunities to put the game away but failed to capitalize early on. In the end, goals by Seth Mangum and Gary Bruce would be all PBU needed.
PBU freshman Justin Nolan made his first collegiate start in net for the Crimson Eagles, securing a shutout at the first attempt.
Gary Bruce got things rolling for the visitors after 21 minutes when his shot corralled off the post and, with some fortunate bounces, ended up in the back of the net. The goal takes his season tally to 9.
Later in the first half, a strange sequence of events saw Bruce appear to have scored his 2nd goal, only for a corner kick to be awarded. Senior Justin Hays beat his marker on the end line and put in a cross, which Bruce controlled for a shot. Bryn Athyn goalkeeper Raul Figueroa appeared to parry Bruce's shot into the net, but somehow the ball ended up on the outside of the net with only a corner kick awarded.
PBU would head into the break holding a 14-2 advantage in shots.
The second half saw much more of the same, with maybe a bit more possession from the Crimson Eagles. A vast majority of the game was played in the Bryn Athyn end, as the host looked to frustrate their visitors. The Crimson Eagles maybe had 80% of the ball throughout.
More important than possession, though are goals and Seth Mangum would score for the second game running to give PBU a 2-0 lead and a little breathing room, although PBU never looked close to conceding. Mangum settled a ball from junior Jon Minnema and blasted his shot directly over Figueroa's head, leaving the keeper no chance.
A few minutes later, Mangum found himself free at the back post in a play eerily similar to his goal against Rosemont during the week. Freshman Seth Richardson once again turned provider and played a delightful ball across the goal, but this time Mangum could only direct his header a few inches wide of the post.
Several fantastic saves by Figueroa and about five goal-line clearances later and the game ended 2-0 to PBU.
The Crimson Eagles are now 6-6, 2-3 in conference.
They will now take on the Mighty Macs of Immaculata this Wednesday, October 12. Last season's fixture saw PBU win 3-0. PBU will be on the road this time around.
