Susquehanna Men's Soccer

2008 program overview

Crusaders Claim Championship; Eisenhart and Merriam Named MVPs Box Score

ONEONTA, N.Y. — Susquehanna University defeated Allegheny College, 2–0, in the championship game of the Mayor's Cup men's soccer tournament hosted by SUNY Oneonta on Sept. 6.

In addition to bringing home the title, the Crusaders collected two Mayor’s Cup All-Tournament team spots. Sophomore midfielder Brandon Eisenhart (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) was named offensive MVP, while sophomore keeper, B.J. Merriam (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional), was named defensive MVP.

Susquehanna (3–0) tallied their third win of the season shutting out Allegheny (1–2). In doing so, sophomore forward Rhyan Nelson (Manalapan Twp., N.J./St. John Vianney) and junior midfielder Ralph Larsen (McElhattan, Pa./Central Mountain) each grabbed a goal to capture the championship.

In the 22nd minute, sophomore midfielder Jim Robertiello (Chester, N.J./West Morris Mendham) booted a pass across the box to find Nelson’s feet. Nelson connected and sent the ball into the top left corner of the goal to take a 1–0 lead.

The Crusaders put the game away at 77:59 when Larsen found the back of the net off an assist from senior defender Matt Campbell (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley).

Susquehanna held a 10–8 advantage in shots and took 12 corner kicks to the Gators' seven.

In goal for the Crusaders, Merriam tallied his second shutout of the weekend making two saves.

Next Game: Wednesday, Sept. 10 vs. Lycoming, 7 p.m. (Battle of the Boot)