Five First-Half Goals Send Brandywine Past Hazleton

HAZLETON, Pa. -- Penn State Brandywine found the back of the net five times during the first half and cruised to the finish, claiming a 8-0 Penn State University Athletic Conference men's soccer victory at Penn State Hazleton on Wednesday night.

Brandywine, which has now won nine-straight matches, received two goals from Axel Ayllon-Ortiz (Kennett Square, Pa./Kennett). Ben Sarafinas (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West) registered a goal and an assist, while Nathan Bowman (York, Pa./York Suburban) netted the match's opening goal. An own goal by the hosts accounted for the Lions' fifth score.

Sarafinas sent a pass to Bowman, who found the back of the net during the 13th minute to put Brandywine in front. Just 59 seconds later, Ayllon-Ortiz doubled the margin to 2-0.

Alex Lopez (Toughkenamon, Pa./Kennett) fed Sarafinas in front and Sarafinas beat Hazleton goalkeeper Bryce Dalpiaz for the third score of the night.

After an own goal during the 42nd minute, Ayllon-Ortiz put the finishing touches on a five-goal first half at the 43:16 mark.

The Lions tacked on goals from Dom Scrivano (Essington, Pa./Interboro), Gavin Birch (Media, Pa./Strath Haven) and Luke Segner (Cochranville, Pa./Octorara) late in the second half to provide the final margin.

Brandywine goalkeeper Juan Guerrero (Kennett Square, Pa./Kennett) recorded his fifth shutout in his last six appearances. The Lions outshot Hazleton 39-0.

Brandywine (12-4-1, 7-0 PSUAC) hosts Penn State Beaver in a showdown of unbeaten PSUAC teams Saturday on Senior Day at 3:00 PM.