Holy Cross Upsets Minutemen

Crusaders Stun UMass, 1-0, on Early Goal

August 31, 2008

WORCESTER, Mass. - Holy Cross defender Alejandro Melean scored on a header in the 10th minute of play as the Crusaders upset No. 13 UMass on Friday night in the season-opener for both sides.

Inspired in front of a school-record crowd of 868 fans, Holy Cross (1-0-0) managed to keep the Minutemen (0-1-0) off the board despite several chances in the final minutes of play.

UMass' Prince Ofosu scored for the Minutemen in their lost to Holy Cross. (Photo source: UMass Athletics)

With 47 seconds remaining in the game, UMass' Prince Ofosu sent a short cross into goalbox that was deflected straight up and off the front side of the cross bar. With the ensuing scrum, the ball was cleared harmlessly away.

Melean scored the game's only goal following a UMass foul on the outside of the 18-yard box. Jon Werth sent a cross towards the back left post where Melean headed the ball from five-yards out back towards the near left post for the goal.

The Crusaders played solid defense for the game clearing out UMass passes into the offensive zone. The Minutemen were able to create several scoring opportunities, but were unable to put the ball on target.

Following the near goal that would have tied the game, UMass earned a corner kick with 20 seconds to play, but the Crusader defense held clearing the ball from danger.

UMass keeper Zack Simmons (Durham, N.H.) made three saves while allowing the one goal. Holy Cross keeper Thomas Booth made two saves on the night.

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: Blink Del.icio.us Digg
Furl Google Simpy Spurl Technorati Y! MyWeb