Sept. 10, 2007

Box Score

Aston, Pa. - The Neumann College men's soccer extended its unbeaten streak to four (3-0-1) after tying Monday's host, Chestnut Hill College (2-0-1), 3-3, after 110 minutes of play.

Neumann was unable to secure a win against Chestnut Hill College despite a solid performance and impressive ball handling from freshman Joe Avvento (Manalapan, NJ /Manalapan) who scored two of three goals for the Knights. In the end the game ended in a 3-3 draw after CHC capitalized on a questionable foul called on Jim McFadden in the 89th minute of play.

Neumann went up 1-0 in the first 2-minutes of play when Avvento scored off a pass from senior Mike Barbagallo (Bridgeport, NJ/Kingsway Regional). However, the Griffins battled back to knot the game at one before the first 45 minutes of play expired. 

Neumann demonstrated great persistence and fortitude as it battled back after Chestnut Hill scored another goal in the first 2 minutes of the second half. Down but not out, the Knights were determined to rally.

Neumann's effort paid off in the 51st minute, when freshman Ryan Bushbeck (Philadelphia, Pa. /Father Judge) posted the equalizer, with a little help from Zach Sell (Baltimore, Md. /Loyola Blakefield). Three minutes later Avvento scored his second goal of the afternoon to put the Knights out in front, 3-2. PAC Player of the week Jesse Urquhart (Erial, NJ/Timber Creek) assisted on Avvento's second goal.

Despite two overtime periods, neither team was able to break through the other's defensive wall. Neumann sophomore keeper Zack Ratliff (Baltimore, Md. /Sparrows Point) posted four saves on seven Chestnut Hill shots while Duhan Malali stopped 8 of 11 for the Griffins.

Neumann will be back in action on Wednesday, September 12 at Philadelphia Biblical University. Game time is slated for 4:00 p.m.