The Berkeley College men's soccer team continued its torrid start to the 2023 campaign, today defeating the Nittany Lions of Penn State Mont Alto by a score of 5-0. With the victory, the Knights improved to an unblemished 4-0 on the season. It marks the fourth time since 2017 that Berkeley has gone unbeaten through the first four contests of the season, including three instances where the Knights were 4-0.
The Knights struck early, setting the tone for the afternoon when Jacoby Calvo scored an unassisted goal just 97 seconds in to make it 1-0 Berkeley. Less than 17 minutes later (at 18:20), Michael Paredes took advantage of a beautiful pass from Massimo Rondon before burying the ball into the net to catapult the visitors to a 2-0 edge. Moments later, at 22:57, Lucas Zuleta's pass in front found the foot of the USCAA Division II Player of the Week, Suad Lukovic, and Lukovic slashed the ball into the net to make it 3-0 Berkeley. That would cap the scoring for the opening session, as the Knight held a comfortable 3-0 edge as the teams broke for halftime.
Berkeley wasted no time resuming its offensive barrage in the second half, as at 49:49, Ian Pallardel registered a tally to make it 4-0 (from Calvo). Later, at 64:00, Paredes scored an unassisted goal, making it 5-0 Knights. The Nittany Lions were able to avoid the shutout when River Terry scored an unassisted goal at 73:29 to make it 5-1, but Penn State Mont Alto couldn't muster any offense after that, as Berkeley advanced for a four-goal victory.
In a game absolutely dominated by the Knights, Berkeley out-shot the hosts, 32-5. The Knights also earned 11 corner kick opportunities compared to four for the Nittany Lions.
Victor Batista, who earlier this week was selected the USCAA goaltender of the week, didn't need to do much in front of a stellar defense, as he logged 69:57 of action, making one save and not allowing a goal. His replacement, Jose Hurtado, played 20:03, allowing one goal while making two saves.
The Knights will look to improve to 5-0 on the 2023 campaign this Wednesday, as Berkeley will take on Manor College at Frank D. Zaccaria Field in Woodland Park, NJ. Start-time for that contest is scheduled for 4:00pm.
