(photos courtesy of Perry Bindelglass)

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2007 NEWS

Men's soccer falls to Frostburg in ECAC semis
11.10.07
Frostburg State scored its first goal just two minutes into the game, then netted the winner at the 97:48 mark of overtime to secure a 2-1 victory over AMCC foe Penn State Altoona in the Eastern College Athletic Conference South Region semifinals Saturday afternoon.  The Bobcats, who entered the tournament as the fourth seed in the western bracket, advanced to the championship game against host Swarthmore College on Sunday at 1:00 PM.  Forward Gregg Lasko opened the scoring at the 2:09 mark when he knocked home an Adam Gracia corner kick to give Frostburg a 1-0 lead.  Senior JC Campbell, who scored both goals for the Lions in Wednesday's quarterfinal win, answered for Altoona in the 23rd minute by blasting a one-timer into the lower right corner of the net to even the score.  Regulation would end in a 1-1 deadlock, and the game seemed destined for a second OT before Bobcat forward Kenny Dotter's goal at the 97:48 mark advanced the squad to the ECAC championship tilt.  Altoona out-shot Frostburg 23-10 on the game but attempted only two more shots on goal than the Bobcats.  Lion goalkeeper Brandon McQuillen turned away five shots while Bobcat keeper Jay Herford made eight saves. The victors improved to 12-8-1 overall and avenged a regular season 2-1 setback to Penn State Altoona on October 9.  The Lions, who have made six consecutive trips to the ECAC playoffs, concluded the 2007 campaign with a 16-6 record and set a new program record for wins in a season, besting the 15 victories recorded by the 2002 squad. 

Pierzga headlines men's soccer all-conference selections
11.4.07
The entire Penn State Altoona men's soccer senior class along with sophomore newcomer Len Castor were named Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference all-stars on Sunday.  Bryan Pierzga (1st team), Dan Saxton (1st team), JC Campbell (2nd team), and Brock Heller (Honorable Mention), a quartet of four-year seniors that led the Lions to a 15-5 record this season, are no strangers to AMCC hardware.  Pierzga (State College, PA/State College) was voted to the 1st team for the fourth consecutive year and was also the conference Co-Player of the Year with Medaille sophomore Gary Boughton.  Pierzga led the league and his team in scoring and leaves Penn State Altoona as the career record holder in goals, assists, points, game winning goals, and games started.  Saxton (Troy, PA/Troy) earned his second straight 1st team all-AMCC nod after playing and starting every game for the 2007 Lions.  He scored three goals and dished out five assists from his sweeper position this year and is in the top 10 career points leaders at Penn State Altoona.  Campbell (Mechanicsburg, PA/Cumberland Valley) was an at-large selection on the second team and earned his first-ever all-conference hardware.  He tallied 6 points in 2007 from his midfield position and ranks in the top 10 in nearly every single season and career record at Altoona.  Heller (Canton, PA/Troy) is making his third straight appearance on the all-AMCC team after garnering 2nd team honors in 2005 and Honorable Mention recognition last season.  He is the career leader in games played at Penn State Altoona and is fourth on the all-time assists list with 13.  Castor (Trenton, NJ/Steinert) was an at-large Honorable Mention selection after starting all but one game in 2007 and finishing second to Pierzga in total points with 19 (7 goals, 5 assists).  For the complete AMCC Men's Soccer All-Conference award winners, CLICK HERE.

Men's soccer ousted in AMCC semifinals
10.31.07
Despite 10 of its 13 shots coming on goal, the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team was held scoreless Wednesday afternoon in a 1-0 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference semifinal setback to Penn State Behrend.  Altoona, the #3 seed, lost for the second time in 11 days to the Behrend Lions and dropped to 15-5 overall.  Penn State Behrend improved to 12-4-3.  The game's only goal came in the 57th minute courtesy of Ahmad Salim, who collected a rebound off Altoona goalkeeper Brandon McQuillen and fired it into the net.  Behrend keeper Dustin Walker stopped all 10 shots he faced including eight in the opening half while McQuillen finished with six saves in defeat.  The all-time series between the two schools is now deadlocked at 4-4-1 as Behrend has knocked Altoona from the conference semifinals twice, both today and in 2002. The #2 seeded Lions from Erie advance to Saturday's conference championship game against top seed Medaille, who was a 3-0 winner over Frostburg State in the day's other semifinal.  Penn State Altoona will hope for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid or a berth in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) playoffs which begin next week. 

Three soccer players named AMCC Players of the Week
10.29.07
Penn State Altoona junior midfielder Allie Schumacher and goalkeeper Amber Werner along with men's soccer standout Bryan Pierzga were named Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Players of the Week for the week of October 29, the conference office announced Monday.  Schumacher, who hails from Rochester, NY,  scored in every game for the Lions, racking up seven points on three goals and one assist in a 3-0 week.  The team's top scorer, she netted the first two goals in a 3-0 first round playoff win over Pitt-Greensburg, their first post-season win and second ever playoff appearance.  Werner, a freshman from Downingtown, was equally impressive and did not concede a single goal in the squads' three victories. She helped the team reach their AMCC-best 10th shutout of the year and leads the conference in goals against average at 0.71.  It was the second ever P.O.W. selection for both Schumacher and Werner as they both received the honor earlier this season.  Pierzga had a 12 point week as the Lion men also went 3-0.  He had the game-winning goal in a victory over Mount Aloysius, giving him 19 game-winners out of 55 career goals.  The State College native also assisted on the game-winners against Alvernia and Lake Erie in the first round of the playoffs.  It is Pierzga's third Player of the Week selection this season and fifth all-time.  

Men's Soccer concludes regular season by downing Mounties
10.24.07
Penn State Altoona out-shot visiting Mount Aloysius 47-3 and used six first half goals to nab a 9-2 win Wednesday night at Spring Run Stadium.  The contest was both squads' final regular season game as the Lions improved to 14-4 overall and 7-2 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.  Senior Bryan Pierzga had three goals and one assist while sophomore Corey Suter added two goals on a wet and rainy night in which field conditions were poor at best.  Len Castor, Tim Morris, Dan Saxton, and Evan Cook scored the other Lion tallies, and Will Gray and Joe Monaco recorded three and two assists, respectively.  Mount Aloysius got on the board twice in the opening half courtesy of Jeremy Herwig and Mitchell Ott.  The Lions attempted 17 corner kicks and fired 30 shots on goal at Mountie goalkeeper Brady Griesheimer, who finished with 21 saves.  Pierzga, Saxton, Brock Heller, and JC Campbell were honored at halftime as part of Senior Recognition Night.  Penn State Altoona will enter the AMCC Tournament as the #3 seed and host #6 seeded Lake Erie this Saturday, October 27, at 2:30 PM at Spring Run Stadium.  The Altoona women, who also earned the #3 seed in the women's AMCC playoffs, will take on #6 Pitt-Greensburg at 12 noon on Saturday. 

Men's Soccer powers past Alvernia
10.22.07
Bryan Pierzga had two assists and three more Lions registered goals as the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team cruised past Alvernia 3-0 Monday night at Spring Run Stadium.  With the victory, the Lions improved to 13-4 overall and avenged last year's first round ECAC Southern Region Tournament loss to the Crusaders.  Pierzga corralled a throw-in near the 20th minute and found teammate Brinton Satterfield in front of the goal for the game's opening score.  Just 79 seconds later, Len Castor was the beneficiary of a long cross by Pierzga which was rocketed past Crusader goalkeeper Richard Kessler.  Holding a comfortable 2-0 halftime advantage, the hosts picked up an insurance goal at the 49:33 mark when Tim Morris headed home a JC Campbell corner kick to set the final.  The Lions out-shot Alvernia 21-5 on the evening and attempted six corner kicks.  Goalkeeper Brandon McQuillen earned the shutout win without having to save a single shot.  Alvernia dropped to 5-11-2 overall.  Penn State Altoona returns to action on Wednesday night as it hosts Mount Aloysius to conclude the AMCC regular season slate.  Game time against the Mounties is 7 PM at Spring Run Stadium. 

Men's soccer drops second straight against Penn State Behrend
10.20.07
Five different players recorded points as Penn State Behrend downed host Penn State Altoona 3-1 Saturday afternoon at Spring Run Stadium.  The Lions from Behrend set the tone just 2:48 into the game when Mike Seth's throw-in to the front of the box was headed home by Eric Murillo for the game's first goal.  A foul inside the box was whistled on Altoona at the 39:57 mark, allowing Adam Cline to score Behrend's second goal via a penalty kick.  With a 2-0 advantage, the visitors struck again in the 63rd minute as Jamie Thomas played a perfect ball to teammate Jerry Tortella in front of the goal for an easy tap in.  Trailing 3-0, the hosts finally cracked the scoreboard at the 80:31 mark when Bryan Pierzga headed a throw-in to teammate Lenny Castor, who fired a laser past Behrend keeper Dustin Walker.  The victors out-shot the Altoona Lions 15-10, and both teams combined for 40 fouls and five yellow cards.  With the win, Behrend hurdles Penn State Altoona in the AMCC standings and knocks Altoona from earning a first round bye in the AMCC Tournament.  The Lions return to action Monday at Spring Run Stadium for a non-conference clash with Alvernia College at 7 PM.  The last regular season AMCC contest is Wednesday at 7 PM as the Lions host Mount Aloysius.

Volleyball cracks regional rankings for first time; men's soccer eighth in region
10.16.07
The Penn State Altoona women's volleyball team has climbed into the latest NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional Rankings for the first time in program history, nabbing the eighth and final spot in the October 10 poll.  The Lions are currently 17-5 overall, 6-0 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, and 13-4 against teams from the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Four of Altoona's five losses have come to Division III teams who are regionally or nationally ranked.  On August 31, Altoona lost a five game bout to Ithaca College, who currently occupies the seventh spot in the New York Region.  A week later, the Lions fell to the Mid-Atlantic Region's sixth place team, York College.  The final two setbacks were to Haverford College, who ranks 11th in the nation and second in the Mid-Atlantic Region, in the Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen Tournament September 14-15.  Despite a 2-0 loss at the hands of Medaille on Sunday, the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team remained eighth in the latest NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional rankings.  The Lions received 17 points in the voting after going 1-1 on the week including a 2-1 victory over Frostburg State.  Dating back to last season, head coach John Parente's squad has been ranked in 12 of the last 14 NSCAA polls.

Men's Soccer loses first conference game at Medaille
10.14.07
In arguably the most anticipated AMCC men's soccer game of the year, it was the Medaille Mavericks who used two first half goals to blank visiting Penn State Altoona 2-0 Sunday, handing the Lions their first conference setback of the season.  Medaille forward Kendell McFayden rebounded a Richmond Baah shot and tapped it past Lion keeper Brandon McQuillen in the 28th minute to open the scoring.  Seven minutes later, teammate Gary Boughton punched in a deflection at the 35:37 mark after a failed clear attempt by Penn State Altoona.  The Mavs out-shot the visitors 17-8 on the day and held senior standout Bryan Pierzga without a point for the first time this year.  McQuillen finished with seven saves for Altoona while counterpart JJ Bilinski of Medaille stopped all four shots he faced.  The loss snapped the Lions six game winning streak and dropped the squad to 0-3-2 all-time against the Mavs.  The Lions are 12-3 overall and 6-1 in the conference while the victors improved to 12-1-2 overall and 5-0-1 in AMCC action.  Medaille now controls its own fate with regard to playoff seeding and home field advantage throughout the conference tournament.  Altoona returns to action on Saturday, October 20, for another difficult test against Penn State Behrend.  Game time is 3 PM at Spring Run Stadium. 

Campbell nets winner as men's soccer edges Frostburg State
10.9.07
Senior midfielder JC Campbell scored his first goal of the 2007 season to push the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team past Frostburg State 2-1 Tuesday evening in Frostburg, MD.  Campbell's tally came at the 81:16 mark, just four minutes after the hosts had evened the score on an Adam Gracia unassisted goal.  Fellow senior Bryan Pierzga got the visitors on the board first, converting a Joe Monaco pass at the 38:46 mark of the first half.  The Lions out-shot the Bobcats 15-11 on the evening, and both teams attempted eight shots on goal.  Altoona keeper Brandon McQuillen turned away seven of eight shots while Frostburg keeper Jay Herford made six saves.  A combined 22 fouls and three yellow cards were assessed in the game, which started an hour late due to lightning storms.  Penn State Altoona is on a six game winning streak and improved to 12-2 overall and 6-0 in AMCC play.  The Lions dropped one spot and into a tie for eighth place with Muhlenberg College in the latest NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Rankings released Monday.  Nationally ranked Messiah sits atop the standings with an 11-1 overall record.  Penn State Altoona returns to action Sunday for a 3:00 PM showdown at Medaille College, who beat the Lions in both the regular season and the conference championship last year.

Men's Soccer avoids upset, beats Bradford in double overtime
10.6.07
In one of the wildest games ever played at Spring Run Stadium, the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team avoided a major upset, defeating visiting Pitt-Bradford 2-1 in double overtime Saturday evening.  The 110 minute contest wasn't decided until 1:48 into the second OT, when a JC Campbell corner kick deflected off a Bradford defender and rolled into the net, giving the Lions the win via an own goal.  A combined 38 fouls and nine cards were assessed including a red card on the Panthers' Mike Kassak in the 67th minute.  With a man advantage, the Lions were unable to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities, none better than senior Dan Saxton's penalty kick that sailed wide right in the first overtime.  The hosts out-shot Pitt-Bradford 24-5 and held a 14-5 advantage in corner kicks.  Joe Calabrese opened the scoring less than seven minutes in when he took a Dwayne Penn pass, dribbled through three defenders, and fired a one timer that beat Altoona keeper Brandon McQuillen.  Trailing 1-0 at the half, sophomore Tim Morris finally got the Lions on the board as Bryan Pierzga played the ball back for Morris, who converted from the top of the goal box.  The own goal at the 101:48 mark proved the difference and improved Altoona to 11-2 overall and a perfect 5-0 in conference play.  The Bradford goal was the first allowed by Penn State Altoona in AMCC action so far this season.  UPB dropped to 1-10 overall and 1-3 in the AMCC.  The Lions return to action Tuesday, October 9, for a 7 PM contest at Frostburg State.

Upperclassmen lead men's soccer over La Roche; Lions move up in regional rankings
10.3.07
Seniors Brock Heller, Bryan Pierzga, and junior Rich Hopewell recorded points for the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team as it topped La Roche 2-0 Wednesday evening at Spring Run Stadium.  The Lions improved to 10-2 overall and remained a perfect 4-0 in AMCC competition.  The Lion seniors connected for the only goal of the first half at the 10:47 mark.  Pierzga played a soft cross to the middle of the goal box for Heller, who punched it past Redhawk keeper Camillo DiLorenzo.  The second Altoona tally came in the 63rd minute when Hopewell blasted a one timer from 30 yards out that beat a sprawling DiLorenzo.  Penn State Altoona out-shot the visiting Redhawks 23-12 and attempted nine shots on goal.  A combined 34 fouls and three yellow cards were handed out on the evening.  The Lions still have yet to allow a goal in conference play and have reeled off four consecutive victories.  Head coach John Parente's squad also received some good news from the National Soccer Coaches Assocation of America earlier this week.  The Lions moved up three spots to seventh in the latest NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional rankings with 28 points.  Messiah earned the top spot this week with 66 points.  Altoona also ranked fifth of 61 teams in the latest Mid-Atlantic Regional rankings according to d3kicks.com, a national Division III soccer website.  The squad returns to action Saturday as Pitt-Bradford comes to Spring Run Stadium for a 6 PM start as part of the second annual Youth Soccer Day.

Four earn AMCC Player of the Week honors
10.1.07
Four Penn State Altoona athletes have been recognized by the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference as Players of the Week for the week of October 1, the conference office announced late Monday.  Volleyball middle hitter Lauren Carter, women's soccer forward Emily Schneider and goalkeeper Amber Werner, and men's soccer forward Bryan Pierzga all collected P.O.W. honors for outstanding individual play.  Carter recorded some gaudy stats in a 2-0 week to keep the Lions atop the league standings.  She averaged five kills, one block, and two digs along with a .398 hitting percentage in straight game sweeps over Mount Aloysius and Pitt-Bradford.  It was the second Player of the Week selection this season for the Bellwood native after earning the honor on September 17.  Schneider recorded a goal in every game this week, helping the Lions to three consecutive wins. She had the game winner in a 1-0 victory over Lake Erie and added an insurance goal against Pitt Greensburg to keep the Lions undefeated in conference play.  Werner helped the squad to two shutouts in a 3-0 week, making eight saves and allowing a single goal. The freshman has the lowest goals against average in the AMCC (0.66) and has been part of four shutouts so far this season.  Pierzga is no stranger to AMCC hardware as he earned his fourth career Player of the Week selection and second this season.  He had both game-winners in a 2-0 week for Altoona, who sits alone atop the conference standings.  Pierzga had the only goal his team needed in a 6-0 decision over Pitt-Greensburg, then notched his 50th career goal in a 2-0 win over Lake Erie.  Pierzga's career point total now stands at 127, an incredible 77 more than the next closest Lion player.

Second half outburst pushes men's soccer past Greensburg; Lions 10th in NSCAA poll
9.25.07
After a scoreless first period, Penn State Altoona netted six second half goals en route to a 6-0 victory over Pitt-Greensburg Tuesday afternoon in Greensburg.  The fireworks began early and often in the second half as nine different players recorded points.  The first two Altoona tallies were courtesy of senior Bryan Pierzga, who picked up his 10th and 11th goals of the season less than 90 seconds apart.  Both scores were assisted by classmate Dan Saxton.  Freshman Kevin Fee found sophomore Corey Suter at the 78:57 mark for the game's third goal, just 13 seconds before Brinton Satterfield converted a Nate Shuey pass.  Shuey also scored his first goal of the season in the 81st minute via Brock Heller's assist.  After two early assists, Saxton notched the last Lion goal of the game at the 86:09 mark.  Reserves Joe DeGol and Dane Kelsey were each credited with assists.  The six-goal period was the second most goals ever scored in a half by Penn State Altoona.  On October 18, 2005, the Lions scored eight first half goals in an 8-2 rout of Mount Aloysius College.  Penn State Altoona dropped one spot in the latest NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional rankings released Tuesday.  The squad received 14.5 points and checked in at 10th after claiming ninth in the standings last week.  Carnegie Mellon, who defeated the Lions 2-1 on Wednesday, climbed to fourth.  Penn State Altoona returns to action on Saturday, September 29, at Lake Erie College.  The Storm are 6-2-1 overall and received votes in the NSCAA rankings for the first time in program history. 

Men's Soccer falls at Carnegie Mellon
9.19.07
Patrick Lutz broke a 1-1 deadlock in the waning minutes of regulation to push Carnegie Mellon past visiting Penn State Altoona 2-1 in NCAA men's soccer action Wednesday night.  The Lions lost for the second time in eight starts while the Tartans pushed their unblemished record to 4-0.  CMU tallied its first goal in the 11th minute as Ricky Griffin converted a pass through the seem from Ryan Browne, giving the hosts an early advantage.  The Lions evened the score midway through the second half when Bryan Pierzga headed in a JC Campbell corner kick at the 78:46 mark for his seventh goal of the year.  With the game destined for overtime, Lutz's improbable game winner came in the 87th minute off a volley in front of the goal.  Adam Bogus was credited with the assist for Carnegie Mellon, who out-shot Penn State Altoona 11-8 on the evening.  Neither team had many scoring opportunities as the Lions and Tartans each managed just four shots on goal.  Both teams entered the contest ranked in the latest NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional poll released Tuesday.  The Tartans sat fifth while the Lions checked in at ninth.  Carnegie Mellon avenged last year's 2-1 setback to the Lions at Spring Run Stadium.  Penn State Altoona is back in action on Saturday, September 22, as it opens Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference play at home against Hilbert.  Men's game time is set for 8 PM. 

Altoona men, Marietta women capture Challenge Cup championships
9.16.07
It was business as usual for the Marietta College women and the Penn State Altoona men in the 2007 Penn State Altoona Challenge Cup Tournament finals Sunday afternoon.  The Lady Pioneers defeated the host Lions 1-0 to capture their fourth straight title before the Altoona men downed the Pioneers 3-1 to earn their third consecutive championship.  Albright College finished third in both the men's and women's tournaments by defeating Thiel College, which finished fourth.  On the women's side, senior Marianne Siders was named the tournament MVP for her two-day performance.  Bryan Pierzga of Penn State Altoona was the men's Most Valuable Player after scoring three goals and one assist in two contests.  For complete results and a listing of the women's and men's all-tournament teams, click the links below.

              DAY 2 MEN'S RECAP                            DAY 2 WOMEN'S RECAP
 

Penn State Altoona, Marietta advance to Challenge Cup title games
9.15.07
The men's and women's championship games of the 2007 Penn State Altoona Challenge Cup soccer tournament will feature the hosts from Penn State Altoona and a familiar guest in Marietta College.  The Pioneer men and women each defeated Albright College in Saturday's first round while both Penn State Altoona teams downed Thiel in their openers.  Marietta handled the Lions of Albright 3-0 in the women's first round before the Pioneer men squeaked out a 1-0 overtime win against Albright.  The Penn State Altoona women downed Thiel 2-0 after out-shooting the visiting Lady Tomcats 39-0 on the night.  The Lion men were also victorious over Thiel by a 4-0 count thanks to two goals from Lenny Castor.  For full game recaps and Sunday's game times, click the links below.

            DAY 1 MEN'S RECAP                            DAY 1 WOMEN'S RECAP
 

Penn State Altoona Challenge Cup Tournament set for this weekend
9.12.07
Eight teams representing four colleges will invade Spring Run Stadium this weekend for the fourth annual Penn State Altoona Challenge Cup Tournament on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16.  The schedule features men's and women's teams from Albright College, Marietta College (OH), Thiel College, and host Penn State Altoona.  The Marietta women have won the tournament each of the first three years.  On the men's side, Penn State Altoona is the two-time defending champion having captured the title in both 2005 and 2006.  The Marietta men took the inaugural championship in 2004.  Admission to the tournament is $3.00 for a one day pass or $5.00 for both days.  Tournament t-shirts and Lion seat cushions will be on sale, and a concession stand complete with meatball sandwiches, hot dogs, candy, popcorn, and drinks will be available.  A full schedule of events including game times can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Seniors help men's soccer hold off Scranton
9.12.07
The Penn State Altoona men's soccer team held a comfortable 3-1 lead just minutes into the second half and held off a furious University of Scranton rally to preserve a 3-2 victory Wednesday evening at Balls Mills Soccer Complex in Balls Mills, PA.  The Royals got on the board first at the 11:49 mark when Andrew Pereira blasted a shot from the top left box that trickled off Lion goalkeeper Brandon McQuillen and found the net.  Altoona would respond quickly as Dan Saxton sent a long cross to fellow senior Brock Heller who headed in the goal at the 13:28 mark.  Just three minutes later, the Lions took the lead when Bryan Pierzga punched home a misplay by Scranton goalkeeper Bob Schwarting to make it 2-1.  The dagger came in the opening minutes of the second half when senior JC Campbell's corner kick was redirected by Len Castor and tapped in by freshman Nate Brindle.  The Royals' Tim Logan brought his team to within one at the 62:27 mark via a Gary Racich cross to set the final score.  Scranton out-shot Penn State Altoona 12-8 on the evening.  Seven of the eight Lion attempts were on goal compared to just four shots on goal for the Royals.  Altoona improved to 4-1 overall on the season and will return to action this weekend to host the Penn State Altoona Challenge Cup Tournament.  A full schedule of events including game times can be found by CLICKING HERE. 

Newcomers shine for men's soccer team in win over Waynesburg
9.4.07
Six different players registered points for the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team as it defeated Waynesburg 3-1 on Monday afternoon in Waynesburg.  Sophomore Lenny Castor began the scoring at the 15:49 mark of the first half, converting a Brock Heller pass to give Altoona the 1-0 advantage.  Less than five minutes into the second half, sophomore Tim Morris banged home the Lions' second goal of the game via a Joe Monaco free kick.  Waynesburg cut the deficit to 2-1 at the 78 minute mark when Jeremy Pronto punched in a rebound in front of the goal.  But Penn State Altoona added an insurance goal late after Lion goalkeeper Brandon McQuillen punted a deep ball to freshman Brinton Satterfield who converted the dagger and gave the visitors a 3-1 victory.  The Lions out-shot the host Yellow Jackets 24-11 on the afternoon with nine of those shots coming on goal.  The game marked the first career goals for Castor and Satterfield and first collegiate assist for Monaco.  McQuillen, a transfer from Slippery Rock, tallied his first career assist as a Lion.  Penn State Altoona improved to 2-0 on the season and will travel to the Fredonia State Tournament this weekend.  

Men's Soccer takes down Grove City in season opener
8.31.07
Senior forward Bryan Pierzga scored the game's only goal on a free kick at the 74:42 mark to lift the visiting Penn State Altoona men's soccer team over Grove City Friday evening.  The Lions out-shot Grove City 13-5 for the game, which was both squads' season opener.  Altoona took six corner kicks on the night compared to just two by the host Wolverines.  The physical match up also saw a combined 29 fouls including three yellow cards.  Altoona improves to 1-0 on the young season and will take on yet another Presidents Athletic Conference opponent on Monday, September 3, as it travels to Waynesburg.  The holiday matinee is slated to begin at 12 noon.

Lions have high hopes for 2007 campaign
8.30.07
After a trip to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference finals and an impressive 14-4-2 record a year ago, the 2007 Penn State Altoona men's soccer team will settle for nothing short of Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference gold.  The squad fell to AMCC foe Medaille in last year's championship game, finished runner up in 2004, and qualified for the postseason every year since 2002.  With 11 returning lettermen and a talented group of newcomers, seventh year head coach John Parente believes this could be the team to finally reach the top.  Expectations for the Lions are also high among Parente's AMCC coaching colleagues.  The Lions were the preseason pick to capture the conference crown based on the wealth of experience they return.  The squad returns its top three goal scorers from a 2006 unit ranked 15th in the country in goals scored with 63.  Defensively, Altoona was 25th in the country in goals allowed, surrendering just 13 tallies the entire year.  The Lions were also ranked seven out of a possible 10 weeks in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Mid-Atlantic Region poll, climbing as high as 4^th in late October.  READ MORE

Open tryouts for men's soccer team to be held on September 3
8.29.07
The Penn State Altoona men's soccer team will hold open tryouts on Monday evening, September 3, at 6:00 PM.  The tryouts will be conducted by Lion men's head coach John Parente and his staff and will take place at Spring Run Stadium on the Penn State Altoona campus.  Please direct any questions to Coach Parente at 814-949-5159. 

Men's Soccer forecasted to capture AMCC gold; Pierzga is Preseason POY
8.13.07
The Penn State Altoona men's soccer team edged out last year's Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference champion Medaille as the preseason pick to win conference gold in 2007, according to the AMCC Preseason Coaches Poll released last week.  Lion senior forward Bryan Pierzga was also honored by the league coaches, garnering Preseason Player of the Year honors.  Medaille was selected to finish second in the upcoming season as Penn State Behrend, Lake Erie, and Frostburg State rounded out the top five.  Pierzga has been a first team all-AMCC performer each of his first three seasons and has twice been named an NSCAA Regional All-American.  The State College native has tallied 101 career points to date via 38 goals and 25 assists.  Senior sweeper Dan Saxton, along with Pierzga, was tabbed a player to watch in 2007 after earning first team all-conference honors last year.  Penn State Altoona finished the 2006 campaign with a 14-4-2 overall record and an 8-1 AMCC regular season record.  To view the full 2007 AMCC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll, click here.