DOYLESTOWN (PA) – The brother tandem of Tom and
Ryan Masterson combined for the game-winning goal with just 2:26 remaining in the second overtime as Delaware Valley College posted a 3-2, non-conference victory over visiting Alvernia University.
The win snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Aggies as they improved to 7-9-1 on the season. They will wrap up the 2009 campaign at home on Saturday against Freedom Conference frontrunner Manhattanville College. The Crusaders fell to 4-12 with Thursday's setback.
Delaware Valley earned a corner kick opportunity as the clock ticked under the three-minute in the second extra stanza.
Ryan Masterson, a senior, set a cross into the box and younger brother Tom came in for a diving header that found the back of the net. It was the sophomore's second goal of the season.
The game went to overtime thanks to last-second dramatics by Aggie junior transfer
Tom Antonucci. Delaware Valley was awarded a free kick from about 18 yards out and Antonucci lined up for what was going to be the team's final chance in regulation. Despite a wall of Alvernia players in front of him, Antonucci somehow sent the ball to the side of the wall and found the low right corner of the net with just four seconds left on the clock. The goal was the 18th of the year for Antonucci and gave Delaware Valley new life.
The game was scoreless for nearly 60 minutes until E.J. Logan put Alvernia on the board off an assist from Lucas Blair. The Aggies tied it up six minutes later as
Eric Maciag found the net for the fifth time this year with
Tyler Yankovich being credited with the assist.
The Crusaders regained the lead with just 4:40 to go in regulation as James Mellon's long pass sent Eric Franks on a breakaway and Franks connected for his third tally of the year. It appeared that was going to be the game-winner until Antonucci and the Masterson brothers rallied Delaware Valley to the come-from-behind victory.
The Aggies held slim margins of 22-21 in shots and 7-5 in corners.
Steve Richtmyer and D.J. Meisinger combined for eight saves with Meisinger earning the win. Drew Gilbert finished with five stops for Alvernia.