Sports Information Department – 112 Dods Hall
Phone (716) 673-3100 / Fax (716) 673-3136

CONTACT: Jerry Reilly,
Sports Information Director

DATE: Fri., Sept. 7, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Days Inn Soccer Classic

Devils explode in second half to down Behrend

FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Fredonia State scored three goals in a span of 10 minutes of the second half to down Penn State Behrend, 3-1, in the first round of the Blue Devil Days Inn Classic.

Freshman defender Stephen Ahern (Nottingham, England) scored the first Fredonia State goal in the history of University Stadium, and later added an insurance goal, while senior midfielder Rob Esposito (Dover Plains/Dover) scored in a penalty kick during the offensive outburst.

A capacity crowd of 1,250 witnessed the first-ever night game on the Fredonia State campus, and had to wait until the 76th minute before there was something to cheer about. With his team down 1-0, Ahern booted in his first goal off a scramble in front of Behrend goalkeeper Matt Zirnsak (Butler, Pa.). Fredonia State junior midfielder Chris Huber (Horseheads) was credited with an assist.

The shift in momentum was further apparent when, in the 79th minute, a Fredonia State player was hauled down inside the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Esposito nailed his free shot into the upper left corner at 78:49.

Ahern's insurance tally at 84:16 was the result of a nifty cross from freshman forward Peter Dagel (Rochester/Gates-Chili).

The stingy Fredonia State defense limited Behrend to four shots, with only two of them getting through on senior goalkeeper Scott Bergen (Schenectady/Mohonasen), including a goal by Jerry Tortella (Pittsburgh, Pa.) in the fourth minute. Bergen was credited with one save.

Prior to the game, an official ribbon-cutting was held. Among the dignitaries taking part were University President Dr. Dennis Hefner, New York State Senator Catharine Young and State Assemblyman William Parment, college officials, and former Blue Devil coaches.

The Classic continues Saturday with the Blue Devil men in action at 4 p.m. vs. Penn State Altoona.

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