NOVEMBER 9, 2013

KING'S MEN'S SOCCER DOWNS FDU IN FREEDOM TITLE GAME

WILKES-BARRE -- Brian Fenster scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with 11:27 left as the host King's College men's soccer team overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to win its first-ever Freedom Conference championship with a 2-1 victory over visiting FDU-Florham Saturday night at McCarthy Stadium.

With the win, the Monarchs received a berth into the NCAA Division III National Tournament while improving to 11-4-5 on the year. FDU, meanwhile saw its season end with an 11-8-1 record.

FDU took a 1-0 lead with 36:31 left in the first half when Tommy Asselta knocked in a loose ball front 10 yards out following a sideline throw.

The Devils held the lead for the remainder of the first half and until 36:24 remained when Cameron Rhodes took a thru ball from Andrew Tuminello and made a move past Devil keeper Nick Mihalik to score.

King's took a 2-1 lead with 11:27 left when Fenster knocked in a crossing pass from the left wing off the foot of Ritchie Reyes from seven yards out to score what proved to be the game-winning goal.

The victory gave King's is first Freedom Conference crown in its second finals appearance. The Monarchs dropped a 2-0 decision to DeSales in the 2007 title game. It is also King's second championship since head coach Mark Bassett took over the program in 2007 as the Monarchs captured the Eastern College Athletic Conference Southern Region crown in 2008.

King's held a 17-7 advantage in shots as well a 7-3 lead in corner kicks.  Monarch goalie Mark Labbadia made one save while Mihalik posted seven stops. King's defender Eric Stanfield was named tournament most valuable player, helping the Monarchs hold its two opponents to a combined one goal.

With the win King's receives an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The tournament field will be announced Monday.