The annual “Battle of the Boot” went Susquehanna's way thanks to stellar defense and a timely Austin Gordon (Millburn, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) goal. A crowd of more than 700 fans turned out to watch an intense and well-played match by the Crusaders as Susquehanna (3-1-0) out-shot the Eagles (2-2-0) 12-4 with four players recording multiple shots.

 

The SU defense limited Lycoming to just two shots in each half and Susquehanna's defensive play meant goalie B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional) was forced into action just twice all evening.

 

Susquehanna controlled the tempo from the start. SU's effort paid off when, less than 15 minutes into the game, Gordon scored on a ball by sophomore defender Zach Ziegler (Harrisburg, Pa./Strath Haven). Gordon placed the pass in the upper right corner of the net for his team-leading second score of the season and seventh of his career. The assist marked Ziegler's first collegiate point.

 

Shots remained at a premium for both sides for the rest of the half. Susquehanna's John Boylan (Hazlet, N.J./St. John Vianney) took the final shot of the period with 41:31 on the clock but his effort was blocked and SU took the 1-0 into halftime.

The second half saw tempers flare a bit with four yellow cards handed out in those final 45 minutes, three of which went against the Crusaders. Susquehanna remained composed enough, however, to continue keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard.

Merriam came up with his second and final save of the night in the 87^th minute as Susquehanna regained rights to the Bronze Boot Trophy.