CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Penn State Behrend men's soccer team erupted for three goals in the second half en route to defeating Case Western 3-1 in non-conference action on Tuesday evening.
Jimmy Belack (Upper St. Clair, PA/Upper St. Clair) tallied two goals to lead the Lions (6-1) to their sixth straight win.
After playing to a scoreless tie in the opening half, Belack got Behrend on the board just three minutes after the break. Peter Brower (Rochester, NY/McQuaid Jesuit) led the ball through the edge of the box to Belack who was able to find the back of the net for a 1-0 Lions' lead.
The Spartans had a quick answer, knotting the game at 1-all in the 54th minute. The scoring frenzy continued with Eric Vunovic (North Huntingdon, PA/Norwin) and Brower. This time, it was Vunovic earning the assist on Brower's goal in the 57th minute as Behrend regained the lead, 2-1. The Lions' offensive surge continued six minutes later. Jake Gamble (Butler, PA/Butler) and Belack led a breakaway with Gamble dishing the ball to Belack who beat the keeper for the second time in 15 minutes.
Behrend clamped down defensively and held Case Western scoreless for the rest of the game to secure the 3-1 victory.
The Lions will open Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) play on Saturday at Franciscan. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
