Box Score

READING, Pa. – Freshman Zach Rider made consecutive saves as Alvernia prevailed 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout over the Swarthmore College men's soccer team in an ECAC quarterfinal match on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Schlager Memorial Field. With the victory, the Knights advanced to the semifinal round and earned the right to host the remainder of the tournament.
 
After playing to a 1-1 deadlock through two overtimes, both teams converted their first three kicks in the shootout. Junior David Geschwind had the opportunity to put the Garnet ahead again, but a diving Rider got a hand on the shot headed to the right side and redirected the ball over the net. RJ Fisher then scored to give Alvernia the advantage, and with the Garnet's season on the line, junior Wyatt McCall sent a shot towards the left post that was cleanly saved by Rider to allow the Knights to survive and advance.
 
The first half was mainly played in the middle of the field and featured only five shot attempts between the schools. Alvernia (11-8-3) had the best opportunity to get on the scoreboard on an Alex Martyn shot that was headed for the back of the net, but Garnet sophomore Ryan Meuth was able to clear the ball away at the last moment.
 
After the scoreless opening frame, the teams traded goals in the second half to eventually head to overtime. Michael Stewart put Swarthmore (9-6-4) on the board first by beating several Knight defenders and chipping a shot past the outstretched arms of Rider in the 49th minute. Alvernia then responded in the 75th minute of action when Josh Wollaston ripped a pass from Alex Martyn to knot the score at 1-all.
 
The Garnet, who were playing in their fourth straight overtime match, had opportunities in the first extra session and nearly got the game-winning tally on a diving header by Stewart that went high of the net. Devin Wilt had his chance to put the match away in the waning minutes, but junior Tyler Zon was able to make the save.
 
Alvernia arguably had the best chance to get the sudden victory in the fourth minute of the second overtime. Whe Josh Walloston came in all alone against an unprotected Zon and rocketed a shot from point-blank range. Zon, however, made the key save, and the rebound that came back to Walloston was fired wide. Another attempt by Stewart at the other end went wide, and the teams headed into the shootout.
 
Zon made three saves for Swarthmore, which had its streak of consecutive seasons with double-digit wins end at 10. Rider turned away one shot through 110 minutes of action for Alvernia before making two stops in the shootout.
 
Swarthmore graduates only three seniors – Michael Stewart, Geoff Stewart and Michael Superdock – and is slated to return 19 letterwinners and nine starters next season.