Lions Upend Geneseo

ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend men's soccer team defeated Geneseo 3-2 on Sunday morning in the consolation game of the Herb Lauffer Memorial Soccer Tournament.

In a back and forth battle, the Lions (1-1) scored two goals in the second half to secure their first victory of the season.

Behrend was able to get on the board quickly to open the game.  Eric Vunovic (North Huntingdon, PA/Norwin) led a ball from midfield into the box where Jake Gamble (Butler, PA/Butler) was able to chip the ball over the charging goalkeeper. 

The Lions lead only last for two minutes though.  Alex Stephan knotted the game at 1-all off a direct kick at the 5:11 mark.  The defense for both teams stepped up for the remaining 40 minutes, taking the tie into the break.

It was not until the 73:36 mark that Behrend was able to regain the advantage.  Michael Liebdzinski (North Huntingdon, PA/Norwin) found an open Vunovic who was able to hammer a shot to the back of the net.  With less than a minute left, Jimmy Belack (Upper St. Clair, PA/Upper St. Clair) beat the keeper for a crucial insurance goal.  Ryan Yurchak scored with under 40 seconds to play but it was not enough to catch the Lions.

Behrend will be back on the pitch Friday at Fredonia St.  Game time is set for 7 p.m.