Box Score

DREXEL HILL, Pa. – The Neumann College men's soccer team improved its conference record to 4-2 and continued to find its winning form against Philadelphia Biblical University in a 6-2 decision in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) action that featured wet and windy conditions at Msgr. Bonner High School Saturday afternoon.

Philadelphia Biblical (chosen to finish second in pre-season polls) created an early opportunity, within the first two minutes of play. Junior goalkeeper, Zack Ratliff, foiled the breakaway that would have given PBU the early lead. It proved to be the difference in the game, as the ball then was played out wide to freshman Andrew Leissing, who slipped the ball through to Senior Jesse Urquhart for the first goal.  The Knights netted another early goal as the ball was played to senior Chuck Rudolph. He sent a clever cross into the box where freshman Joe Larkins was pushed from behind to earn a penalty shot. Urquhart tucked the ball away nicely from 12 yards out.

Leissing's quick thinking set up Urquhart for his third goal in the first 15 minutes of play. Leissing cut outside then inside with the ball to get past the PBU defender to find Urquhart who crammed the ball through PBU Goalkeeper Andy Ecker. Urquhart provided the game winner and his first hat trick of his senior campaign.

Leisssing dazzled the crowd with quick footwork and persuasive passing to set up Larkins for his first goal of the season and fourth goal of the contest. Larkins received the ball just outside the 18 yard box on the left side, touched the ball into the box, drawing the keeper off the goal line and striking the ball off the far post with his left foot. The score was 4-0 after 45 minutes.

The second half started fast and furious for the Knights. Freshman Andrew Raimundo delivered a ball down the right sideline to a streaking sophomore Lee Collins. Collins swerved his hips effortlessly to throw off the PBU defender. He then touched the ball towards the corner of the box, where he struck the ball off the far post and into the back of the net.

The Crimson Eaglesspoiled the shut out when Jeremy Dunham slid through the defense for the first time all afternoon and ripped the ball low far post to make the score 5-1.

Neumann answered as Junior Jim McFadden whipped in a cross to numerous Knights crashing into the box, but it was fitting that Leissing would cap off the afternoon with a sizzling strike from 6 yards out past PBU Goalkeeper. Leissing finished afternoon with a goal and three assists.

PBU Jeremy Dunham scored off a penalty kick to make the final 6-2 and finished with two goals.

“I was delighted with all aspects of our game. Our approach seems to be right where it should be, at the moment,” said head coach Kevin Sloan. “I was encouraged to see so many players step up and have a huge influence on the game”.

Ratliff had two saves in the contest, but was much more active, as he ate up all free kick opportunities.

“Zack's distribution was terrific and managed the game with great efficiency,” said coach Sloan.

Sophomore Ryan Bushbeck and Joe Avvento dominated the center of the midfield, while

Zach Sell, Josh Steer, Michael Rudden, Ken Urquhart and Brett Fenimore continue fine form in the back.

The Knights supporters were in full force and were delighted in their team's entertaining style of play. Neumann is unbeaten in their last three outings and have scored a decisive 14 goals while

only giving up 2 goals during the stretch.

Neumann will travel to Keystone on Tuesday for a CSAC game at 4 pm.