Spadaro's Clutch Goal Helps Royals To Win

by Randy Shemanski

September 22, 2012

Junior forward John Spadaro (Stony Point, N.Y./Albertus Magnus) scored with less than 19 minutes remaining to break a tie game as The University of Scranton men’s soccer team continued its perfect start with a 3-1 victory over Goucher College in Landmark Conference action on Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Field.

The win improves the Royals to 7-0, their best start in 25 years and the fourth-best start in school history. Scranton won 20 straight to start the 1987 season, 17 straight to open the 1986 season and eight straight to begin in 1980.

Scranton also received goals from sophomore midfielder Rich Loeffler (Matawan, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) and senior midfielder Patrick M. Daley (Rochester, N.Y./Aquinas) in the victory.

Spadaro snapped a 1-1 tie at the 71:46 mark when he tapped in a shot after a save by the Goucher goalkeeper on a shot by freshman defender Joel Potter (Randolph, N.J./Randolph). The Gophers had tied the game less than three minutes earlier on a goal by junior forward Matt Fazekas (Potomac, Md./German School).

Daley put the game away at the 81:29 mark when he scored on a perfect cross by Potter for his second assist of the match.

After a scoreless opening half, Loeffler gave Scranton a 1-0 lead just 72 seconds into the second half when he scored after picking up the rebound of a shot by freshman defender Michael Dorney (Avon, Conn./Avon).

Spadaro’s goal was his first of the season, Daley picked up his second while Loeffler’s was his third, which is third-best on the team. Potter is now tied for the team lead with three assists while Dorney’s helper was his first career point.

Senior goalie James Dillon (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown East) made three saves for his seventh win of the season and 11th career victory.

Scranton outshot the Gophers, 31-8 and had an 8-5 advantage in corner kicks. The Royals improved to 6-1 all-time against Goucher while scoring three or more goals for the sixth time this season.

For the Gophers, who dropped to 1-4-1 and 0-2 in Landmark play, freshman goalie Ethan DeBandi (Eldersburg, Md./Liberty) made seven saves.

Scranton returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 25, when it travels to Ithaca, N.Y. to take on Ithaca College at 4 p.m.

--ROYALS--