Lions Win Back-to-Back AMCC Titles

ERIE, Pa. - Anthony Crivelli's (Cranberry Township, PA/Seneca Valley) second-half goal lifted the Penn State Behrend men's soccer team to back-to-back Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Championships with a 1-0 defeat of Medaille Saturday night. The win marks the programs seventh championship overall and third in the last four years.

The first half was a physical back and forth contest in cold and rainy conditions. Neither team could get much offense going, in strong defensive performances for both teams. Mike Worthy (Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. Clair), Evan Augustine (Pittsburgh, PA/South Park) and Kevin Vock (Bridgeville, PA/South Fayette) did an excellent job for the Lions (18-3) shutting down the Medaille (17-5) offense.

With the game still tied at zero at the 55:59 mark, freshman goalkeeper Colton Smith (Cranberry Township, PA/Seneca Valley) was called on when starter Jarrod Wassell (Hollidaysburg, PA/Hollidaysburg) left the game with a leg injury. Smith excelled in the net earning the victory and making a crucial save.

Jimmy Belack (Upper St. Clair, PA/Upper St. Clair) and Crivelli have been cornerstones for the Lions on offense all year. Once again the two would combine for the biggest play of the season. At the 75:27 mark, Crivelli broke the scoring drought netting his 15th goal of the year. Belack made a beautiful move to get by one defender and delivered a nice pass to Crivelli for the game-winning goal.

Behrend finished the season unbeaten in regular-season and post-season conference play and will ride a 13 game winning streak into the NCAA Tournament. With the victory, the Lions tied the program's win total in a season and the shutout marks the team's 13th of the year.

Behrend will take on an opponent not yet determined in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.