Lions Fit to be Tied in Home Opener

Lions Fit to be Tied in Home Opener
September 12, 2024
by Bob Denny, Head Coach 
 
The Penn State Scranton men's soccer team hosted York College/CUNY in their home opener on Wednesday, September 11 and after battling back and forth for 90 minutes, the match ended in a 1-1 tie.
 
The hosts dominated long stretches of the non-conference contest, outshooting the visiting Spartans 20-9, including 9-2 in the first half. Freshmen strikers Yanal Hasweh (five shots), Aiden Turner (three shots) and Amani Byirinboro (two shots) along with senior wing Raphael Carvalho (two shots) led the Lions' attack but York goalkeeper George Molina was solid, snagging a dozen saves.
 
Thirty-six minutes into the opening half, the hosts finally hit paydirt as first-year winger Fabrice Gatsinzi finished off a beautiful feed from fellow frosh Brian Nguyen to give Penn State Scranton a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Early in the second stanza, the Lions continued to create goal-scoring opportunities but couldn't cash in. Relieved to still be in the taut tilt, the Spartans mounted a number of counter attacks and scored the equalizer with 12 minutes remaining.
Next up for the New-Look Lions, a PSUAC conference clash with PSU Hazelton, 1:30pm this Saturday.