Saturday, September 23, 2006

Centenary scored twice within just over two minutes late in the second half on Saturday afternoon as the Gents handed Valparaiso its first Mid-Continent Conference loss of the season 4-2 in Shreveport, La.

The Crusaders jumped in front early as D.J. Catrow (Springfield, Ohio/Catholic Central H.S.) took a feed from Paul Leitelt (Munster, Ind./Munster H.S.) and beat Centenary goalkeeper James Speed into the lower right corner of the goal just 15:58 into the match.

The Gents evened the match at one on a goal by Stephen Rifai midway through the half, and the match remained tied heading into intermission. Aaron Volanski put the hosts in front just 3:07 out of the locker room with his unassisted tally.

Jon Brighton (Warner Robins, Ga./Houston County H.S.) tied the match at two with 23:40 left to play, finding a loose ball in the goal box and scoring into the lower left corner of the goal. Steve Shively (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central H.S.) drew the assist.

Sam Robinson put Centenary (2-7, 1-1 Mid-Con) on top for good at the 73:51 mark, scoring from the top of the box and Volanski added his second of the match just 2:05 later for the insurance goal.

Valpo outshot Centenary 13-8 for the match but Speed made three saves for the Gents. The Crusaders also had five corner kick opportunities, while surrendering three.

Valparaiso (5-4, 1-1) will return to action next Saturday afternoon as the Cruasders entertain Oakland at Eastgate Field in Mid-Con play. Kickoff is set for noon.