SELINSGROVE, PA - Host Susquehanna University scored a long-distance goal just before halftime and relied on its defense and some help from the woodwork to post a 1-0 men's soccer victory over Rochester in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Rochester outshot the Crusaders, 19-8, but couldn't solve SU goalkeeper Matt Salsman who posted nine saves. He had six of his stops in the second half when Rochester outshot the home team, 11-3.
The Yellowjackets were denied a go-ahead goal shortly before halftime.
Max Eberhardt's blast had Salsman beaten, but it cracked against the post.
Seth Davis-Brown got to the rebound immediately but the Susquehanna defense recovered in time to block his shot.
In the final 10 seconds of the first half, Susquehanna's Sean Raffetto hit a long shot from just over midfield that rose just over the reach of Rochester goalkeeper
Scott Garfing and landed in the net for a 1-0 lead at 44:53.
The Yellowjackets stepped up the pressure in the second half. With just over 3:20 left in the match,
Max Fan's corner kick found
Jake Cargill open in the box. His blast was finger-tipped over the bar by Salsman, giving Rochester another corner kick.
Jakob Seidlitz got a shot off, but it was blocked by the defense.
In the final 30 seconds,
Alex Swanger headed the ball against the crossbar. Swanger had scored a late equalizer against Misericordia on Saturday night to force overtime. Rochester went on to win a shootout in that match to advance to the game against SU.
The Yellowjackets finished 10-4-4. They were ranked No. 19 nationally heading into the weekend. Susquehanna is 18-2-1 and is ranked No. 15 in the poll.
