Last second goal gives Valley Forge overtime opportunity...Patriots edge Hazleton 3-2 in OT

Phoenixville, Pa. - Penn State Hazleton (10-4, 7-2 PSUAC) fell by a score of 3-2 to NCAA Division 3 opponent University of Valley Forge (2-14) in overtime after a last second goal in regulation sent the game to extra time. 

After a scoreless first half, the Nittany Lions came out firing in the early stages of the second period. In the 52 minute, Steven Principe (Jim Thorpe, Pa.) got the Lions on the board when Kyle Venditti (Berwick, Pa.) found his teammate mid-field. Principe received the ball in the box, beating the goalkeeper one on one for the opening score. Principe would return the favor six minutes later when he found Venditti who pitched the ball top left corner over the keeper. 

The Patriots Brandon Nyekan took over the game starting with a goal in the 78th minute to cut into the Hazleton advantage. In the last moments of play Nyekan broke away from the Hazleton defenders, and beat the Hazleton keeper in the final seconds of regulations. 

Following the miracle finish for Valley Forge, the two teams took to extra time where once again, Nyekan stole the show. The forward found himself on another fast break attempt with one minute remaining in the period, beating the last of the Lions' defenders, placing the game winning goal in the net for Valley Forge's second win of the season.

Next up: Penn State Hazleton wraps up their regular season with an out of conference loss, but the real prize is yet to be awarded. The Nittany Lions return to the pitch next week when they host a playoff match for the Penn State University Athletic Conference Championships. Stay tuned to psuhazletonsports.com for updates on the date and opponent.