Second half flurry sinks Hazleton at Brandywine

Media, Pa. - The Nittany Lions were neck and neck with the defending Penn State University Athletic Conference champions through two thirds of Wednesday's contest at Brandywine but a silent first half would turn into an offensive outbreak in the second frame, nearly all in favor of Brandywine. Hazleton would respond to an early second half score by the home squad, knotting the score at 1-1 with just over 27 minutes remaining, but that final stretch would belong to the defending PSUAC champs. Brandywine would convert four of their final nine shots into scores, running away for the victory by the score of 5-1. 

Despite a fine defensive effort for much of the action, Hazleton would fall victim in the second half to a Brandywine attack that out shot the Nittany Lions by a total of 20 shots to just six for Hazleton. Sophomore keeper Brandon Yocum (Bloomsburg, Pa.) would be saddled with the loss on Wednesday, allowing five scores while stopping just our shots on target. 

Moments that Mattered

Hazleton keeps pace

Hazleton battled for a 0-0 stalemate through the first half but soon after the start of the final period, Brandywine would strike first on a score from the leading goal scorer in the PSUAC, Chris Riebman. But the Lions would bounce right back as Senior Steven Principe (Jim Thorpe, Pa.) knocked in a game tying score off junior Ben Pasukinis's IBenton, Pa.) free kick attempt in the 63rd minute. 

Brandywine heats up

After coming up empty on their first 10 shot attempts, the home team would find their groove in the second half. Just minutes after Principe squared the game at 1-1, the Brandywine offense would click for back to back scores in the 67th and 70th minutes. Hazleton would be unable to counter Brandywine's attack and late in the action, the home squad tacks on a pair of late scores to seal the Nittany Lion's fate. 

Next Up

Hazleton will look to stop a three game skid as they enter the final enter the final leg of the regular season. The Lions will seek to get back in the win column on Saturday, October 7 when Penn State York comes to town. Kick off slated for 1:00 p.m. at Community Park.