Box Score MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny men's soccer squad got the 2013 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) season underway in exciting fashion, upending a previously unbeaten Denison University squad, 2-1, on Saturday evening at Frank B. Fuhrer Field.

In a closely contested, highly physical contest, the Gators were able to inch past the Big Red with goals from senior Keith Danley and junior Cameron Olson.  However, the Gators were led by their experienced goalkeeper, John Lichina, who made 12 saves in net and stopped an aggressive Denison offense in the late stages of the contest.

With the win, the Gators remain unbeaten in conference openers since the 2009 season, and improve to 5-2-2 on the season after picking up their second straight victory.

The Allegheny defense was pushed to their limits against Denison, forced to withstand a Big Red attack that procured 22 shots and eight corner kicks, including 14 looks at the Allegheny cage during the second frame. 

The Gators made the most of their opportunities, as Danley was able to advance a well played ball in the box in the 38th minute before getting tripped up by a Big Red defender.  Awarded a penalty kick, Danley slotted the shot into the bottom left side of the net, rolling the ball past the outstretched hand of the Denison goalkeeper for the first score of the game.

Entering the half with a 1-0 lead, Olson added to his team lead with his fourth goal of the season after receiving a solid cross inside the penalty box by freshman Zach Stryker.  Olson gained control of the pass and blasted a shot under the Denison goalie, scoring in his second straight game in what would ultimately prove to be the game-winner in the 53rd minute.

Denison found the back of the net off of a penalty kick in the 84th minute.  Looking for the equalizer, the Allegheny defense stopped Denison from any additional opportunities, cutting off passing lanes while not allowing the Big Red another effort at the goal until right before the final horn, which Lichina easily swallowed up for his final save of the game.

Junior Axel Monzon played a critical role for the Gators, creating several strong opportunities with nifty footwork during both halves.  The Allegheny backline, featuring seniors Mark Burkhart and Alex Etherington along with the midfield play of freshman Liam McNamee consistently disrupted opportunities for the Big Red, helping lead the Gators to the win. 

After a busy two weeks that have seen the Gators play four games in 12 days, the Allegheny squad gets a much needed week-long break before returning to Frank B. Fuhrer Field on Saturday, Oct. 5 to take on Kenyon.  Last season, senior Andrew Miller notched a 89th minute game-winner in a dramatic, 2-1 victory.