Casey, Vitolo Lead Scranton To Victory

October 25, 2014

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Junior defender Erin Casey (Hatfield, Pa./Gwynedd-Mercy Academy) scored early and junior forward Gianna Vitolo (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) scored late to boost The University of Scranton women’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory at Moravian on Saturday afternoon.

The victory keeps Scranton (8-6-2, 3-1-1 Landmark) in third place in the Landmark Conference with two games remaining. The Royals have 10 points, trailing Catholic (15) and Elizabethtown (12), and leading fourth-place Moravian by three and fifth-place Drew by four.

Casey scored her first goal of the season on a header off a corner kick by senior midfielder Ellen Walker (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) just 1:40 into the match to give Scranton a 1-0 lead. The goal was Casey’s fifth of her career, and the fourth-game winner. Walker picked up her third assist of the season and 10th of her career.

Vitolo gave the Royals an insurance goal in the 80th minute when she took a cross from sophomore forward Christina Akalski (Long Beach, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) and scored from six yards out for her fourth goal of the season and 13th of her career. Akalski picked up her first assist of the season and fourth of her career.

Scranton held a 14-10 lead in shots as Vitolo led the way with four. The Royals also held the edge in corner kicks, 5-4.

Sophomore goalkeeper Krissy Welsh (Swarthmore, Pa./Strath Haven) made four saves for her fifth shutout of the season.

The Royals have a chance to secure a playoff spot when they host Drew on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.

--ROYALS--