Pletz netted the game-winner today

CALIFORNIA, Pa. – All season long freshman forward Martin Pletz (Pittsburgh, Pa./Carlynton) has scored big goals for the Bald Eagles and today was no different as the rookie netted the game-winner in the 83rd minute lifting the Lock Haven University men’s soccer team (9-4, 8-3 PSAC) past rival California (Pa.) University (7-5-3, 5-5-2 PSAC) 1-0 on the road.

Heading into the bitter PSAC rivalry, LHU held the statistical edge winning four out of the last five meetings including a 1-0 overtime win earlier this year.

Coming into today’s match the typical physical style of play and close battle was expected with the last three LHU-CAL meetings prior to today all going into overtime.

Today’s match was a very important one for both teams with playoff implications on the line and it showed with a very physical and hard fought battle as both teams were loaded with individual talent up the down the field.

There was 39 total fouls between the two teams.

Both teams had several good chances to score in the first half of play with both goalies making some spectacular saves.

LHU senior goalie Chad Feerrar (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain) made two point blank saves in the first half to keep the Bald Eagles in the game.

He added another spectacular stop in the second half after turning away a California breakaway keeping the fast-paced game knotted at 0-0.

Finally with less than eight minutes to play Pletz put on a great individual effort finding his way through four CAL defenders before he was slowly held up, but he was able to stick with the play and blast a ball in the far corner all, but insuring the Haven of a crucial road win.

Despite the physical nature of the game there were flashes of brilliance throughout the game as both teams were loaded with talent at every position.

The Bald Eagles are back in action Monday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. when they host West Chester University in PSAC action.