Front Royal, VA- The Crusaders Men's Soccer team played its opening game of the season against the Berkley New Jersey Knights, last Friday, September 10. The Crusaders fought hard in their first game but came up just short, losing the game 3-2.
Berkley came out fast and ready to play, taking the early 1-0 lead scoring within the first 15 minutes of the game. However, the Crusaders were determined to level the score, and in the thirtieth minute of the game John Paul Tsakanikas(Freshman) scored the Crusader's first goal, assisted by Mark LaRochelle(Senior). The score at half an even 1-1.
The second half began and within the first five minutes of play Berkley scored its second goal to retake the lead 2-1. The Crusaders battled hard and won a critical free kick in the fifty-second minute. LaRochelle lined it up and ripped a beautiful left footer into the back of the net, tying the game at 2 a side. Just two minutes after the Crusaders tied the game, Berkley came up with another goal to retake the lead. The Saders battled hard the rest of the game, desperate for another equalizer, but it was not to be. As time ran out the Crusaders remained down 3-2, making them 0-1 ont he season.
Shoutout to Freshman, number two, John Paul Tsakanikas, as he scored in his first ever Collegiate soccer match!