Posted: Sep 12, 2018
By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director
MONT ALTO, Pa. – The Penn State Mont Alto men's soccer team battled in their home opener on Wednesday evening as they hosted the University of Valley Forge in a non-conference match. Velkin Escobar netted an early second half goal using his pace to split the defense for the Patriots to help them improve to 1-2 to start their season. Mont Alto drops to 0-2 after back-to-back one goal losses.
Inside the Box Score
- The teams just about equally possessed the ball, but the visitors held an 18-11 advantage in shots. Mont Alto did hold the advantage in set piece opportunities (5-3) with five corner kick attempts in the first half and several other free kick oppurtunities. PSUMA nearly capitalized, but an Alex Martinez (Frederick, Md. / Governor Thomas Johnson) shot attempt in the 14th minute squirted above the cross bar.
- PSU Mont Alto registered five shots on goal as freshman Bryce Palamar (Smithsburg, Md. / Williamsport) tallied one shot in the first half and nearly scored the equalizer in the 85th minute. Drew Faust (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area) tallied a team-high three shots.
- Sophomore Owen Gilbert (Wells Tannery, Pa. / Forbes Road) stood tall between the pipes tallying a game-high 10 saves. Gilbert has tallied 10 or more saves on five different occasions during his collegiate career.
How it Happened
- Shounak Barat (Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown) had the best opportunity to score for PSUMA in the first half, but his attempt was saved by Patriot goalkeeper Jacob Kelly at the 35:43 mark.
- Velkin Escobar caught the Mont Alto defenders in transition and simply used his pace to net a tight angle shot past Owen Gilbert (Wells Tannery, Pa. / Forbes Road) in the 47th minute.
- Valley Forge really didn't threaten much after jumping to the 1-0 lead.
Penn State Mont Alto returns to action on Saturday, September 15 in a home match against Christendom College at 4 p.m. Please be sure to check www.psumontaltoathletics.com or follow us on social media for all the latest updates.
