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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Powered by a strong defensive showing and a relentless attacking unit, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team improved to 2-0-0 on the young season with a shutout win over Allegheny College (0-1-1), 2-0. Senior Patrick Burns powered home the game-winning goal in the 25th minute of action and senior Sammy Blosser assisted on both goals in the game. 

The Captains closed out the 2016 Joe Pombriant / CNU Soccer Classic with strong showing, outscoring their two opponents by a final score of 9-2. In Sunday morning's effort against the Gators, the offense dominated, outshooting Allegheny 34-6, and the defense stood tall, with just two shots allowed on goal. 

The first goal of the game came in the 25th minute of action off a set piece from just outside the 18-yard box. Blosser delivered a picture-perfect service to the back post where Burns, at 6-foot-3, elevated well above the rest of the scrum and hammered home a header for his first goal of the season.  It was his 22nd career goal, and 60th career point. 

CNU narrowly missed on several more chances in the first half, including a pair of one-on-one opportunities for senior Jimmy Grace as the Allegheny keeper, David Stekla, made two impressive saves. 

Grace led the team in total attempts, with eight, and shots on-goal, with five, but was kept off the board until the 69th minute as CNU scored on another free kick. From just inside the midfield line, Blosser again lofted a nice ball into the box, where Grace leaped up with a defender and got just enough of his head on the ball to flick it under Stekla and into the left side of the goal. Blosser's helper was his third of the season as he took over the team lead in scoring with five total points. 

CNU nearly made it 3-0 with just under 16 minutes to go but Stekla made a sensational save to keep his team within striking distance. After sprinting out to beat Stephen Durbin to a 50-50 ball well out of the box, his clearance landed right at the feet of rookie James Lee. Lee was prepared to take advantage, touched once to his right and launched a 40+ yard shot destined for the right side of the goal. Not quitting on the play, Stekla sprinted back, lifted off toward the goalmouth and stretched to just get his fingertips on the shot, directing it off the right post. 

Even without the insurance goal, the CNU defense would make sure the two goals were plenty, standing up in front of sophomore goalkeeper Zach Pedini. Seniors Harry Nodwell, Zach Douglass, and Blosser were joined by sophomore Bobby Seifert to secure Pedini his first shutout of the season. The defense allowed just six total shots, three in each frame, and just two on-goal. 

Christopher Newport will return to Captains Field on Wednesday, September 7 as they play host to N.C. Wesleyan College at 7:00 pm. 

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