Pacheco lifts Lions to second PSUAC victory

Mont Alto, Pa. - The Nittany Lions improved their Penn State University Athletic Conference record to 2-4-1 on Saturday afternoon, squeaking out a 1-0 win at Mont Alto behind a clutch score by freshman Kyle Pacheco (Bartonsville, Pa.) in the 54th minute of play.  

Hazleton survived the first half to keep the match square despite being out-shot by Mont Alto by a 2-1 ratio. By the second half, it was the Nittany Lions on the attack and nine minutes into the final period, Hazleton struck the critical blow. Breaking free on the outside, Pacheco found himself one on one with the Mont Alto keeper and made the most of his lone opportunity on the day, lofting the ball over the goalie to put the Lions on top. Working with the lead, the Nittany Lion defense held Mont Alto to just one shot on goal in the second half allowing sophomore Jean-Louis Sunther Jr. (Abidjam, Ivory Coast) to earn the first shut-out win of the season with an eight save effort on the day. 

Next up: Saturday's road win keeps the Nittany Lions in the chase for a playoff spot with two crucial games remaining in conference play. Hazleton will face Penn State York on Wednesday, October 17 on the Hazleton campus looking for their third straight win to remain in the hunt.