Rams Ruin Griffins CACC Postseason Crusade

Philadelphia, PA – (11/2/2010) – A goal at 66:16 from junior midfielder Ryan Purnell (Hamilton, Bermuda) was the difference in an evenly played game, as Philadelphia University defeated Chestnut Hill College 1-0 in this afternoon’s Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Opening Round contest. The Rams held a slight edge in shots, 13-9, but the contest was not decided until the final horn.

Following a scoreless opening half, Chestnut Hill College (9-10, 5-6) was first to apply pressure with back-to-back corner kick opportunities. Both chances went fruitless as did the two following corner kicks for Philadelphia University (12-5-2, 8-2-1). Unfortunately, the Rams eventually took the lead on Purnell’s unassisted strike from 18 yards out at 66:16, 1-0. The Griffins had opportunities late, as sophomore goalkeeper Michael Goldstein (Pennsauken, NJ) continued to turn the Rams insurance attempts aside, but they were unable to convert before the clock ran out.

Purnell led the Rams with five shots while freshman goalkeeper Alex Heston (Des Moines, IA) made six saves in the shutout victory (9-3-2).

Sophomore forward Carl Essenthier (Philadelphia, PA) totaled five shots to headline the Griffin offense. Goldstein made seven saves in the loss (9-10).

#2 Philadelphia University advances to the CACC Semifinals to face #3 Dominican College in the 1:30 p.m. contest at Georgian Court University on Thursday, November 4.