By: Laura Chapman
Assistant Sports Information Director
chapmal@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
Photo: Cat Scholl
BRADFORD, Pa. –The Juniata College men's soccer team won its second game in as many days, defeating the Pitt-Bradford Panthers 3-0. The Eagles got a pair of first half goals and a third goal with just 31 seconds left in the match to improve to 7-1-1 on the season.
"Before we came out on the field we talked about what we needed to do in terms of mental preparation," said head coach Dan Dubois. "The guys were really ready to go once we hit the field today and it showed."
Senior Dane Azeles (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg) notched his second goal of the season off a through ball from classmate Andy Blunk (State College, Pa./State College) just ten minutes after the first whistle.
"Dane and Andy are a pairing we have been working on for two years now," said Dubois. "We have a few of those around the field. They are really connecting lately. It's exciting to see them work for each other and grow together."
In the 36th minute, the Eagles added an insurance goal from junior Nick Weit (Litiz, Pa. Warwick) when Juniata earned a free kick in range of the Panthers goal. Junior Robby Higgins (Middletown, Pa./Lower Dauphine) played a quick ball to Weit who made a cut back move to give himself space and netted his second goal of the season.
Juniata controlled the pace of the game through its midfield play thanks largely to the work of senior captain Anthony Glossner (Centre Hall, Pa./Penns Valley).
"Anthony did really well today," said Dubois. "He facilitated movement side to side had a couple of driving moves up the field. He did a lot of things really well that won't show up on a stat sheet. Anthony played a great game today."
With less than one minute remaining in the match senior center back Seth Ruggiero (Bangor, Pa./Bangor) stepped up for a free kick 30 yards out from the Panthers goal. His kick sailed passed the Bradford goalkeeper and into the back of the goal for the third Juniata score.
"Our center backs are very good on the set pieces and our outside backs are great on the over laps and getting involved in the attack with the whole team," said Dubois. "Seth loves it. Every defender thinks there is a fantastic goal waiting to happen every time they step on the field. There's nothing he doesn't think he can do. It's fun to watch him out there and for him to get the opportunity to score and be a part of the attack."
Juniata will play its third game in four days at home this Tuesday, Sept. 24th, at 4 p.m. against Penn State Altoona.
"We're looking to continue the form we've been showing the last couple of games," said Dubois of the match up with Penn State Altoona. "We've been controlling the play really well recently. We want to get a lot of guys the opportunity to play in the game and make sure they are getting the playing time they need."
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