HUNTINGDON, PA- A Drew goal inside of six minutes of the first half was the only score of the game as the visiting Rangers defeated Juniata men's soccer 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Winton Hill Field. It was the Landmark Conference opener for both teams. The Rangers improve to 3-1-4 while the Eagles fall to 2-6.
Juniata outshot Drew 12-10 overall and had a 7-4 edge in the second period. The Eagles also had a slight advantage in corner kicks, 9-7.
"We played much better today, said head coach Dan Dubois after the game. "We looked like a team that can compete for a conference title. When the energy and focus are there we can play with anyone."
The Eagles controlled possession in the opening minutes of the contest with a shot and a pair of corner kicks. Following a foul on Juniata, the Rangers were awarded a free kick that Michael Pezzuti hit past Juniata goalie Garrett Lavelle (Eden, NY/Eden) to give Drew the 1-0 lead.
Juniata had a good look at a goal in the 39th minute. Following a corner kick from Dylan Thompson (Broomfield, CO/Peak to Peak Charter), Taylor Golemboski (Phillipsburg, PA/Phillipsburg-Osceola) got a head on the ball toward the net but a Drew defender was there to deflect it away. The Eagles had another opportunity with seconds remaining in the first half but Steven Stroup's (Bedford, PA/Bedford) attempt went wide.
JC started the second period with a pair of corner kicks with the second one resulting in a high shot from Robby Higgins (Middletown, PA/Lower Dauphin) in the 54th minute. The Eagles nearly tied up the contest in the 77th minute but Steven Guetzlaff's (Shnecksville, PA/Parkland) header was stopped by Drew goalie Michael Reyes.
"That's a very good Drew team and for us to go out and put a solid 90 minutes shows the team that we have what it takes," noted DuBois. "90 minutes and all the game came down to was a perfectly placed set piece. We are looking forward to righting the ship starting Tuesday."
Juniata begins a five-game road trip starting Tuesday against Penn-State Altoona in a non-conference match. Game time will be at 6 p.m.