Despite dominating the game, Drew needed a clutch goal from Tony Pisani to put away the Scranton Royals, 1-0, at Ranger Stadium. The win keeps the Rangers undefeated and atop the Landmark Conference standings at 3-0. Drew's defense held Scranton (8-3-1, 1-2 LC) to just one shot in the game. Drew improves to 6-3-4, 3-0 in the Landmark Conference.
In a fast, physical start, Jonah Silk and Tony Pisani came closest in the first half. Silk's shot from eight-yards was saved by Brandon Dombrowski. The rebound fell to Tony Pisani, but his blast was blocked by a charging Royal defender. Dombrowski also made a nice save on Greg Zizik's long range shot earlier in the period.
The Rangers had two more good chances early in the second half, but to no avail. Matthew Greenberg set up Vincent Costa, but the senior's shot sliced wide. On a following corner, Marc Chiarello rose to head a ball dangerously across the goal-mouth, but there was no Ranger at the end for the finish.
Greenberg came so close in the 55th minute. After getting to the end of a failed clearance, the junior blasted a low, knuckling shot that Dombrowski did well to punch wide.
Pisani scored the game's lone goal in the 57th. Jesse Puzio played a ball up the left side to Jonah Silk, pulled out to the touchline in front of the Drew bench. Instead of playing it back to Puzio flying down the wing, Silk pulled up and sent a lofted ball to Pisani charging through the Royals' center. His first touch got him alone on the keeper and his second found the back of the net. The wild celebration showed the Rangers' relief after much frustration.
The rest of the half played out a similar script. The Rangers dominated possession and chances, but despite good build up play they could not find the killer touch to get the insurance goal. On the other hand, Drew's defense smothered the Scranton attack rarely feeling threatened as keeper Dave Brigandi remained untested.
For the third straight conference game, Drew posted a shutout en route to a victory. Only the Merchant Marine Academy ranks ahead of Drew in the standings, but the Mariners have played one more contest than the Rangers. The Rangers have two games next week before getting to face those Mariners on ten days from now. Drew will host Muhlenberg on Wednesday night before making the trek out to Juniata on Saturday in the resumption of the Landmark schedule.
SCRMS09 (8-3-1, LC, 1-2-0) vs. Drew Rangers (6-3-4, LC, 3-0-0)
Date: Oct 10, 2009 Attendance: 376
Weather: Cool, overcast
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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SCRMS09............. 0 0 - 0
Drew Rangers........ 0 1 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 56:31 DREW Anthony Pisani (unassisted)
Shots: SCRMS09 1, Drew Rangers 19
Saves: SCRMS09 11 (Brandon Dombrowski 10; TEAM 1), Drew Rangers 0 ()
