Phantoms Nip Crusaders

Come Back to Win in PDL Debut

May 12, 2008

By Nick Williams

Springfield College standout Adrian Schippers scored twice to lead the New Hampshire Phantoms to a 2-1 victory over the Cape Cod Crusaders Saturday at Mass Maritime.

The Phantoms, playing their first game in the Premier Development League after moving down from the USL’s Second Division, surrendered a goal just 11 minutes into their first PDL game but bounced back with two goals in the span of two minutes.

Chris Banks put the Crusaders, winners of the last four PDL Northeast Division titles, up 1-0 with an 11th-minute goal.

But 20 minutes later, a cross by Patrick Gay, out of the University of New Hampshire, was met with the head of Schippers and the former Phantoms youth player knocked it into the back of the net.

Two minutes later, Schippers intercepted a ball 40 yards from goal and beat goalkeeper Evan Bush (five saves) to give New Hampshire a 2-1 lead.

Tim Murray preserved the win for the Phantoms. The Providence College standout also made five saves.

"The guys played tremendously tonight, it was a total team effort,” said Phantoms coach Jim DeDeus said on the team's website.

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