ASTON, Pa. - The Neumann University men's soccer team picked up its second straight win on Wednesday afternoon, defeating visiting Widener University by a score of 3-1.
 
Freshman Gavin Ford was the difference maker for Neumann on the day. The forward scored a goal, set up a goal and drew a penalty kick that led to a tally. Nick Testa and Marlon Trejo also scored for the Knights, who received a superb performance in net from senior goalkeeper Shane Smith (10 saves).
 
After a week off since their last game, the Knights came out firing early in the match. Just 12 minutes into play, a lovely passing sequence from Trejo, Ford and Testa led to Neumann's first goal. Trejo played a nifty pass to Ford, who slipped in Testa behind the Pride back-line and the sophomore forward calmly deposited the ball into the back of the net to put the hosts up 1-0.
 
Neumann did not waste time continuing to build its lead as the half continued. Just nine minutes later, the Knights doubled their lead on a penalty kick. After a Widener counter in transition, Neumann won the ball in its own half and played an early ball behind the Pride defenders to streaking Ford for a breakaway. Ford faked out the Widener net-minder, but as he went to deposit the ball into the goal, he was hauled down to earn a penalty kick. Trejo then stepped up to the penalty spot and placed a ball into the side netting to put the Knights up by a score of 2-0 heading to halftime.
 
As the game moved into the second half though, Widener battled to get back into the game. The Knights were able to thwart the Pride attack for much of the half, but a penalty kick in the 64^th minute gave the visitors life. Goalie Shane Smith made a great diving save to keep the initial shot out of the net, but the rebound fell right back to the shooter, who buried the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-1 with just over 25 minutes left to play.
 
Widener sent numbers forward to get an equalizing goal, but a stout Neumann defense led by Andrew Kelly, Matt Brown and Jack Norwood kept the Pride at bay for the remainder of the contest. With under a minute left to play, the Knights sealed the game when Ford redirected a ball from Brady Simon past the Pride goalkeeper to give Neumann a 3-1 non-conference win.
 
Neumann (3-2-1) returns to the field this Saturday, September 22^nd for another home non-conference game against York College. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.