ERIE, Pa. - The Penn State Behrend men's soccer team shutout the Hilbert Hawks by a score of 4-0 on Tuesday evening, improving to 2-0 in the conference and 8-1-1 overall.
The Lions are starting conference play strong, winning their home opener with a substantial defensive effort. Behrend's defense had a night for the record books holding the Hawks to zero shots and zero corners. Captains Mike Worthy (Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. Clair) and Evan Augustine (South Park, PA/South Park) led the Lion's defensive play to hold Hilbert without a shot.
Behrend took the tough defensive play and turned it into offense. They registered 31 shots, 10 of which were on goal. Anthony Crivelli (Cranberry Township, PA/Seneca Valley) started the scoring by tallying his team-leading seventh goal of the season in the 18th minute off a cross from Ryan Thorsen (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) who recorded his first point in a Lion uniform.
A minute and a half later, Crivelli won a loose ball inside the six yard box and passed it to Augustine who buried the shot for his first goal of the season.
Nick Stewart (Pittsburgh, PA/Keystone Oaks) scored for the fourth straight game on a penalty kick at the 49:35 mark. Josh Kolarac (Imperial, PA/West Allegheny) dribbled down the end line and was taken down in the box to win Behrend the penalty.
Later in the half, Michael Backo (Pittsburgh, PA/Baldwin) notched his first career goal in the 81st minute off a corner from Ryan Maurer (Cranberry Township, PA/Seneca Valley). Maurer recorded his first collegiate point with that assist.
The Lions are back in action at home this Saturday when they take on Franciscan at 1 p.m.