Box Score Box Score
SELINSGROVE, Pa. – For the first time in program history, the Susquehanna men's soccer team has won consecutive Landmark Conference titles as the team took down Juniata 1-0 on Saturday night in the conference championship game.
A David Aurand (Shamokin Dam, Pa./Selinsgrove Area) goal in the 65th minute proved to be the game winner as the Crusaders (13-5-1) defeated the Eagles (13-6-2) to earn another automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
As a team, Susquehanna out-shot Juniata 13-9 and held the Eagles to three shots on goal, all of which were saved by senior goalie Matt Salsman (Selinsgrove, Pa./Selinsgrove Area). Aurand connected on his only shot in the game while Andrew Murphy (Natick, Mass./Natick) tied for the game high with three shots and was also credited with the assist on Aurand's score.
The Crusaders held the Eagles to only three first-half shots, none of which were on goal. While SU was able to take 11 shots in the half, none found the back of the net. Susquehanna had two shots in the final 45 seconds of the period as Patrick Fry (Denver, Colo./Colorado Academy) had a shot at 44:15 blocked and Gannon Keller's (Selinsgrove, Pa/Selinsgrove Area) look at the goal sailed wide with just 11 seconds remaining in the half.
The beginning of the second half saw limited scoring opportunities for both sides before Aurand, who came in off the bench in the 59th minute, headed a cross off the foot of Murphy and past Juniata goalie Blaine Barsch for the 1-0 Crusaders advantage.
The Eagles were limited to only three more shots the remainder of the game and were held without a look at the goal for the final 13:36 of the match as Susquehanna brought home the championship trophy once again.
Following the conclusion of the game, Fry was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. Fry, a defender, finished the tournament with one goal (vs. USMMA) in two games and his defensive play helped SU shut out both the Mariners and Juniata.
The NCAA selection show will be aired Monday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. and further information can be found here.
