Lions Roar Back to Top PSU Beaver

Jack Eisele (7) in a game earlier this semester.
Jack Eisele (7) in a game earlier this semester.
October 6, 2024
By Bob Denney, Head Coach
 
Monoca, PA - The Penn State Scranton men's soccer team overcame all kinds of obstacles in route to a thrilling, come from behind win over hosts' Penn State Beaver this past Sunday. Propelled by freshman midfielder Jack Eisele, who scored two goals – including the game winner – and assisted on a third score, the Scranton 'Road Warriors' rallied from a 2-1 deficit to seize a 3-2 victory.
 
A  "Jack of All Trades", Eisele has been a stalwart defensive midfielder all season for the Lions, marking the opposing team's top playmakers. But against PSU Beaver, Jack turned downright 'offensive', scoring the first goal of the match just two minutes into the contest before striking a perfect long pass to fellow frosh Brian Nguyen, who headed home the sweet serve near the end of the first half to tie the taut tilt at 2-2.
 
With the match still deadlocked at two's, Eisele combined with long, tall Tommy Buker, the freshman midfielder and the Lions' leading playmaker, to score the tie breaking, game winning goal.  Following a Beaver foul just outside their penalty box with 22 minutes remaining, Buker beautifully set up the eager Eisele, who blasted the ball from about 16 yards out to the far corner past the hosts' sprawling goalkeeper.
 
From there, the Boys in Blue were 'locked in' and their defense led by goalkeeper Ryan 'Smitty' Smith, backs Josh Fanelli, Angel Magana, Will Nagy, Joseph Loran and Lawson Measic and middies Amani Byirinboro, Raph Carvahlo, Fabrice Gatsinzi, Aiden Turner, Hector Cabreja Rodriguez, Piero Parravacinni, Buker and Nguyen locked down Beavers' attack for the vital victory which kept the PSU Scranton men's soccer team in third place in the PSUAC standings.
 
A weekend that was marked with unfortunate circumstances, travelling long hour while suffering transportation issues and having less preparation time, the Lions roared and rose to the occasion.
 
"I'm so proud of the guys and the poise, persistence and the focus that they displayed this weekend. After playing a very tough and grueling match just the day before and then having the unexpected travel difficulties, it would have been understandable if they came out flat against Beaver and lost. But instead, they kept their composure and played with the poise of professionals. I really like our team a lot and believe that we will just continue to get better and better the more that we play!" shared head coach Bob Denney.