York, Pa. – The #10 York College men's soccer team amassed another great performance Sunday in the championship game of the Country Inn & Suites/Parma Pizza York College Soccer Tournament, as they dominated McDaniel, 2-0. A drizzling, cloudy day at Graham Field was the site of the victory, and the Spartans improve to 4-1 on the season and 2-1 at home, while the Green Terror fall to 2-3.

From the opening minute, the Spartans applied significant offensive pressure. Lots of it. Expertly placed passing allowed for several good attempts early on, namely from sophomore standout Antonio Bua, set the pace for the rest of the game as York collected 21 total shots on the day.

Despite that early offensive pressure, it was a defensive clearance that allowed the Spartans to punch in their first goal midway through the first half. A direct kick from McDaniel was blocked and quickly cleared, allowing York to push the ball into the Green Terror's defensive third. Junior Kemal Nuspahic threaded three defenders with a pass near the 18' line to the right side to an open Justin Facer. Electing not to cross it, the sophomore drilled his shot with authority into the back of the net at the 22:21 minute mark of the first half.

"It was a great pass from Kemal," Facer said during his postgame interview. "All I had to do was shoot it in."

The Spartans had several more chances throughout the first 45 minutes that included back-to-back corner kicks with a resulting save by the Green Terror goalkeeper Zach Nibbelink.

Physical play at the 13-minute mark allowed the Spartans to showcase more of their strong defense. A direct kick was easily deflected by Spartan sophomore keeper Jesse Derksen and cleared away from danger.

York continued to apply pressure, getting a direct kick from the top of the box 25 yards from the McDaniel goal. After a pass, Cody Pearson's shot deflected off the crossbar, allowing Max Howie knock a header toward the Green Terror goal. That attempt, however, proved fruitless as a Nibbelink, who had fallen to the turf, made a remarkable save from his knees to close out an exciting half.

The second half started without the drizzle, but that was the only change in the game. The Spartans continued to dominate both ends and scored yet another goal with 18 minutes left in the second half.

A crossing shot by sophomore Chris Weaver was cleared off the line by a McDaniel defender as that rebound came toward Bua whose resulting shot hit off the crossbar. That proved a decent result however, as the carom found the feet Mike Gill who one-timed a pass to Howie who slammed one home for his first career collegiate goal.

In addition to the Green and White's extensive offensive pressure, the Spartan defense provided an equally outstanding performance. York allowed only four total shots while registering a mere one on goal. The defensive leader, and MVP of the Country Inn & Suites/Parma Pizza York College Soccer Tournament, was none other than the hero from game one of the tournament. Centerback Andy Stromberg, who tallied the game-winner in the first match, provided exemplary leadership from the back while helping to hold the Green Terror attack at bay.

Derksen picked up his fourth win of the 2010 season as he made one save over his 78:48 of work. Derksen made several quality plays to thwart McDaniel's attack before it became too dangerous. Newcomer Ethan Kavanagh relieved Derksen for the final 11:12. Nibbelink posted eight saves for the Green Terror over his 90 minutes of action.

The Spartans return to the pitch Wednesday, September 15, when they visit Kean in a non-conference tilt slated for 4:00 pm.

GAME BOX

Photo: Justin Facer tallies the game-winner against McDaniel in the championship game of the inaugural Country Inn & Suites / Parma Pizza York College Soccer Tournament - courtesy of Zach Clabaugh - www.sharpedgefoto.com

Game story written by Wid Lyman - York College Athletic Communications contributing writer