Goals from a pair of seniors clinched a second straight Landmark Conference regular season title for Drew in a 2-0 win over Susquehanna on Saturday. Drew will host Scranton on Wednesday in the opening round of the Landmark playoffs. Jonah Silk picked a good day to have his best game as a Ranger. He celebrated Senior Day by scoring one goal and setting up the other in a tough, physical encounter with Susquehanna. Greg Zizik scored his fourth goal in Landmark play from the penalty spot after Silk won the kick.
On Senior Day, Jonah Silk came up the best goal of his career to give Drew the 1-0 lead. Silk gathered a pass wide before streaking to the front post. From close range, he faked alike he was going to touch it into the middle before burying his shot through the Susquehanna keeper at the near post for the goal. His teammates seemed genuinely impressed with the sheer quality of the finish as Silk peeled off to the sideline in celebration.
Susquehanna had a great chance to even it up just a few minutes later. Shane Ahta pushed a pass into the path of Joey Stellato inside the box. Stellato tried to first-time it near post, but could only slice it wide of the post.
Silk came so close to scoring his second of the game twice within a minute later in the half. Off a cross from Marc Chiarello, Silk was alone with the keeper inside the six-yard box. Silk did well to get on top of the ball, but bounced it at the feet of Susquehanna Pat Horan who dove to make the stop. A moment later, Silk sent it high of the goal on another header in the last clear cut chance on the half.
Jim Robertiello nearly made the Rangers pay for the missed chances in 51st minute. The junior ran onto a ball in the box with no Drew defender within a couple of yards, but hammered it high over the bar and fence.
Silk was critical in the Rangers' second goal as well. A fast counter attack through Adrian Kawuba saw the junior cut back a dangerous ball to Silk in the box. Though his first shot was saved by Horan while going for the rebound Silk was tackled from behind winning a penalty kick. Despite some gamesmanship from the Crusaders, Greg Zizik crushed it through Horan's touch and in for the goal.
Zizik had one more chance as he headed over Horan well outside of the box, but Bobby Long tracked back well to clear the ball from danger just a yard off the line.
The win clinches home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the Rangers. On their day, it is important to note that the ten seniors on Drew's squad have posted a 29-2-4 record at Ranger Stadium during their career, though one of those losses came in the first round of the LC Tournament last season. The Drew win also ended Susquehanna's hopes of repeating as Landmark Champions. As usual, the Rangers put in a smothering defensive performance. In recording their 13th shutout of the season, the Rangers allowed just four shots with Jeff Rogers needing to make just one save. Need it be said that John Jabar had a massive game in the center of defense, or is that just assumed. Fellow senior Marc Chiarello had a huge game at right back as well.
The time has not been set for Wednesday's game, though it is likely to be 7 or 7:30 following the women's game. Check back at www.drewrangers.com for more information on Monday.
Susquehanna Crusaders vs Drew Rangers (Oct 31, 2009 at Madison)
SUSM (7-10-1, 3-4) vs. Drew Rangers (9-4-5, 5-1)
Date: Oct 31, 2009 Attendance: 275
Weather: Overcast,windy and rainy
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
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SUSM................ 0 0 - 0
Drew Rangers........ 1 1 - 2
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 30:19 DREW Jonah Silk (unassisted)
2. 54:48 DREW Greg Zizik Penalty kick
Shots: SUSM 4, Drew Rangers 12
Saves: SUSM 4 (Pat Horan 3; TEAM 1), Drew Rangers 1 (Jeff Rogers 1)
