ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend men's soccer team scored twice in the second half en route to defeating Bethany 2-1 in non-conference action on Friday afternoon.
After falling behind 1-0, the Lions (12-2) netted two goals in a 13-minute span in the second half to earn the win.
With less than three minutes to play in the opening half, the Bison got on the board first. Anes Bekric played a long ball into the box that deflected off the keeper to AJ Brettell who fired the ball to the back of the net. Bethany held off Behrend in the final minutes to keep the score 1-0 at the break.
The Lions came back quickly with the second half just underway. Garrett Fiscus (Russell, PA/Eisenhower) led a great ball to Jake Gamble (Butler, PA/Butler) up the field. With the defender on his right, Gamble fired a perfect left-footed shot to the right corner to tie the game at 1-all.
In the 62nd minute, Behrend cashed in on another offensive opportunity. Gamble dished the ball to Jimmy Belack (Upper St. Clair, PA/Upper St. Clair) at the top of the box. Without hesitation, Belack fired a shot past the keeper, giving the Lions a 2-1 advantage.
The Behrend defense clamped down and denied the Bison for the remainder of the game to secure the victory.
Freshman Will Cole (Russell, PA/Eisenhower) earned his first collegiate win between the pipes, making three saves in the second half.
The Lions will be back on the pitch tomorrow at Mt. Aloysius. Game time is 3 p.m.
