Men's Soccer Clinches Third Seed with Win over Lehigh Valley

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. - The Penn State New Kensington Men's Soccer team battled to a 2-1 victory over Penn State Lehigh Valley, clinching the third seed in the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs for the second year in a row. New Kensington's record now stands at 8-5 overall and 7-2 in the PSUAC, while Lehigh Valley wrapped up the fourth seed with a 6-3 conference record. 

The game remained scoreless through the first half despite New Kensington holding a 12-4 advantage in shots. Just six minutes into the second half, senior Paul Kozuch (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) changed all that when he converted a pass from freshman Carlos Colindres (Schuylkill Haven, Pa./Blue Mountain) to put New Kensington up 1-0.

However, Lehigh Valley tied things back up less than eight minutes later when Creyn Muthard converted a penalty kick opportunity. At minute 66, senior Nate Andrews (Pittsburgh, Pa./Serra Catholic) found the back of the net, assisted by sophomore Brady Braun (Harrison City, Pa./Penn Trafford) to give the lead back to the home squad. The defense would hold on from there. 

Senior goalkeeper Joshua Zakrzewski (Finleyville, Pa./Ringgold) made seven saves for New Kensington, only allowing the PK. 

Prior to the game, New Kensington honored its four seniors Andrews, Kozuch, Nick Nicassio (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Salem), and Zakrzewski. 

New Kensington will host the Penn State Scranton in the first round of the PSUAC tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.