Junior
Dan Pinto provided a much-needed spark as his two goals off the bench led the Misericordia University men's soccer team to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Susquehanna, Tuesday night at Mangelsdorf Field.
Although not in the evening's starting line-up, an injury brought Pinto onto the field just three minutes in and his energy and finishing ability helped spur the motivated Cougars past a difficult opponent.
Misericordia took the lead after 18 minutes when sophomore
Andy Bush played a beautiful 40-yard ball right down the middle to Pinto, who calmly slotted it into the left side of the goal.
Pinto made it 2-0 early in the second half when a
Greg Korhonen free kick made it to the back past and the midfielder slotted it home.
Susquehanna did not lie down however, and just seconds off the ensuing kick-off they pulled one back on an outstanding long-range drive past MU goalkeeper
Mason Astaneh.
Pinto threatened again with 26 minutes remaining, as his 20-yard drive forced the Crusader keeper to punch away. Susquehanna had chances late, with Astaneh making a diving save to his left to hold a good chance, but the Cougars were able to protect their one-goal advantage.
A chippy second-half saw 18 fouls whistled and three yellow cards. Astaneh made five saves to earn his third victory of the season, while the Crusader keeper came up big on several occasions and finished with seven stops.
Misericordia looked lively early in the game, with junior
Matt Scott being denied twice in the opening four minutes.
Susquehanna had their chances later in the first half, volleying high after a long throw was knocked down on the six-yard line midway through the period.
Less than 13 minutes before halftime, Astaneh made a great punch on a free kick and the rebound was cleared off the line by MU defender
Bryan Kulbacki. Astaneh later made a good far post save off a Crusader corner kick.
The Cougars improve to 3-2 with the victory and will travel to Baptist Bible on Thursday.
Game Highlights:
