Box Score

King's Uses Penalty Kicks to Advance to Freedom Conference Title Game

Dallas, Pa. -- Niall Croke scored in the fifth round of penalty kicks and Mark Labbadia made two diving saves to help King's advance to Freedom Conference title game 4-3 in penalty kicks in a 0-0 tie with Misericordia Wednesday night.

The teams played back and forth in regulation with Misericordia carrying play early. Labbadia made several sparkling saves on flurries in front of the net. He made five saves in the first half and three in the second. Labbadia also made two saves in extra time.

Kevin Buchanan shot first for the Monarchs converting his opportunity. George Stock of Misericordia converted his chance to even the shootout 1-1. King's Brian Alifano tallied his penalty kick after not playing in regulation, but he was matched by David Stoner to knot the score at 2-2.

King's Ritchie Reyes scored to keep the pressure on in the third round, but the Cougars were able to tie the shootout again with a tally by Nick Ferguson. Trouble appeared to arrive for King's when Raul Cruz just missed, hitting the crossbar to open the door, but Labbadia made a sliding save on David Malaquias to keep the score at 3-3.

The Monarchs closed the match with Croke scoring to take a 4-3 lead. Labbadia closed the door with a superb diving save on the final shooter of the shoot out triggering the Monarchs celebration.