Box Score
ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's soccer team defeated Widener University 2-1 in overtime on Saturday evening in non-conference action.
This was the fifth straight year these teams have gone to overtime, the past two year the game ended knotted.
This year, it was freshman Michael Attalian who gave the Knights the win in the 93rd minute off a cross pass from Nathan Beideman.
The first half was a battle. Attalian thought he had a goal in the first minute of play, but the Widener goalie picked the ball up on the goal line. Neither team could find the back of the net and remained knotted at zero.
Six minute into the second half, Neumann keeper Bob Mastrillo made a diving save to keep the game scoreless. Mastrillo ended the game with four saves, all were game savers.
The Pride then broke the 0-0 game in the 58th minute. Widener would hold the lead for less than 10 minutes as Joe Larkins broke down the left side of the field and put the ball past the Widener keeper to tie the game.
With six minutes left in regulation, Mastrillo made another diving save and then two teams went into what seems to be the inevitable overtime.
Widener had a scoring chance as overtime started. After Mastrillo made the save, the Knights took the ball to the other end of the field and Attalian sank the ball into the net for the win.
Neumann improves to 3-2 on the season. The Knights will open conference play on Tuesday afternoon when they host Philadelphia Biblical at 4:00 PM.
