Romano Helps Royals Improve To 5-0

by Randy Shemanski

September 15, 2012

NEWBURGH, N.Y. – Freshman forward Michael Romano (Freehold, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) had a goal and an assist to lead The University of Scranton men’s soccer team to a 3-0 victory over Mt. St. Mary on Saturday afternoon at Kaplan Field.

With the win, the Royals improved to 5-0 for the first time since they started the 1993 season by winning their first six contests. They went on go 15-6-1 and reach the NCAA Tournament that season.

Scranton also received goals from sophomore midfielder Rich Loeffler (Matawan, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) and junior forward Nick Paganelli (Ossining, N.Y./Fordham Preparatory) in the victory.

After a scoreless first half, the Royals broke the stalemate in the 64th minute when Loeffler scored on a cross by senior midfielder Matthew Salvatore (Howell, N.J./Howell) for his second goal of the season. The assist was Salvatore’s second, giving him six points this season, tied for second on the team.

Just over five minutes later, Romano scored unassisted when he took the ball from a defender and slotted a shot past the keeper at the near post. It was Romano’s first career goal.

Less than three minutes before the final horn, Paganelli scored on a long shot from near midfield to an open goal for his first career goal. Romano picked up the assist, the first of his career.

Scranton outshot the Knights, 20-5, and held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. Senior goalie James Dillon (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown) made two saves for his third shutout of the season.

The Royals are now 2-0 all-time against Mt. St. Mary after beating the Knights, 4-1, last season.

For Mt. St. Mary (2-4), junior goalkeeper Matt Darling (Staatsburg, N.Y./Franklin D. Roosevelt) made 10 saves.

Scranton returns to action when travels to nearby Dallas, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept. 18, to face Misericordia University at 7:30 p.m.

--ROYALS--