The Shippensburg University men’s soccer team defeated No. 18 West Chester in a thrilling Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) match that ended 2–1 on Wednesday afternoon in West Chester, Pa.
The Raiders (3–1–1, 1–1 PSAC East) handed the Golden Rams its first loss of the year. It marks their first win over the school since 2011.
Sophomore Darius Bamfo (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) and junior Ashton Davies (Dillsburg, Pa./Northern York) found their way onto the score sheet for SU. Davies delivered the matchwinner on another Olimpico, his second goal scored directly from a corner in as many games.
The Raiders were solid defensively, allowing just one goal from 11 shots on target. Junior Cody Willoughby (York, Pa./York Suburban) turned in a big performance in goal, making nine saves. The SU defense blocked seven shots in the match and earned one team save.
Bamfo gave SU the early advantage just 14 minutes in. The Raiders were lightning on the counterattack as junior Mason Stokes (Mays Landing, N.J./Oakcrest) took a through ball on the wing, beat his defender and squared away to Bamfo who slotted home his second goal of the season into the bottom right corner.
The Golden Rams (5–1–1, 1–1 PSAC East) put on the attacking pressure throughout the half, taking seven shots on target, forcing five saves from Willoughby and one team save in the half.
West Chester found the net in the 42nd minute as Devven Frey placed a shot just passed the reach of Willoughby to level the game at 1–1.
Davies gave the Raiders the big breakthrough in the 71st minute. This time, the forward delivered his corner into the far post well over the keeper to put the Raiders in front.
West Chester threatened late with a free kick in the 86th just outside the box. The initial ball was cleared by the Raiders defense, but only to Frey who fired a second effort. Willoughby sprawled to his left, making the big save to preserve the Raiders lead.
The Raiders held strong through the final whistle, picking up a big three points over the PSAC East pre-season favorites.
SU continues its road stretch with another PSAC East contest at Bloomsburg on Saturday at 3 p.m.
