ERIE, Pa. - The Baldwin Wallace University men's soccer defeated non-conference opponent Franciscan University of Stubenville by a final score of 1-0 in the opening round of the Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament at Penn St. Behrend.
BW (1-1) got off to a fast start with their first shot coming eight seconds by Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference junior midfielder Brandon Garibotti (Berea/Berea Midpark).The Yellow Jackets continued to put the pressure on the Franciscan (0-1) defense putting up eight shots with four shots on goal. The Barons had two chances late but were not able to capitalize. The half ended with both squads knotted up at 0-0.
The second half began with a battle in the midfield. Fransican got the first chance of the half when they sent a shot high. The next opportunity came to BW and they rifled one past the keeper. Sophomore midfielder Julian Kieres (Lakewood) took the shot that gave the Yellow Jackets the 1-0 lead. BW continued to keep the pressure on the Barons defense getting a few good looks late in the game.
In the net for the Yellow Jackets was freshman goalkeeper Zoltan Nagy (Lakewood/St.Edward) who made one save on the one shot he faced in his first career start.
BW returns to action on Sunday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m. to take on Penn St Behrend in the championship game of the Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament.