Box Score Reading, Pa. - The Penn State Abington men's soccer team faced an unusually stiff challenge from in-state opponent Penn State Berks this afternoon, considering the rivals from Reading sit at 3-10-1 and 0-7-1 in NEAC play. After needing a late goal to tie the game, however, Abington came through in the clutch, getting an overtime winner from Alex Martins to come away with a 4-3 victory.
 
Abington (9-1, 7-1 NEAC) spent much of the first half feeling out their opponent, recording five shots to Berks' four. Finally, in the 40^th minute, the Nittany Lions from Abington broke through for the game's first goal. A Penn State Berks player committed a foul in the penalty box, and senior Josh Clinger stepped to the spot to take the kick. Clinger did not miss, scoring his fourth goal of the season and giving Abington a 1-0 lead.
 
That lead would be short-lived, however. Just three minutes later, it was Penn State Abington who committed a foul close to their own penalty box. This did not result in a penalty kick, but it may has well have been one. Freshman Justin Bass stepped over the ball and lined a shot into the top right corner for his fourth goal of the season. The goal also tied the game at 1-1, leaving the match to be decided in the second half.
 
It was Abington who would get on the board again next, with Alex Martins getting on the board in the 62^nd minute. This time it was sophomore Alex Martins, who lined up a shot the worked its way into the left side of the net, giving Abington a 2-1 advantage. Once again, however, Berks came right back to tie the game up. In the 64^th minute, sophomore Cory Garritano sent a header into the corner of the net, once again off a free kick from Bass, and the game was tied back up at two goals apiece.
 
Then, just six minutes later, Berks would take their first and only lead of the game. Off a pass from Evan Steigerwalt, freshman Tim Petrowsky sent a chipped shot over freshman goalkeeper James Carlin's head and into the back of the net. The cheeky effort put Berks in the driver's seat, up 3-2 with 20 minutes to play.
 
It was time for the leaders to step up for Abington, and step up they did. Once again, Martin was involved in the scoring for the Nittany Lions, this time getting the assist on the game-tying goal. Martins pass found the foot of senior Matt Howard, who sent a shot into the back of the net from right in front of the goal.
 
With the game once again tied, the teams headed into overtime each searching for the game winning goal. With the game on the line, who else would Abington turn to but Alex Martins once again. 2:36 into the first overtime period, Martins struck for the final time. Getting in alone on goal, Martins sent a shot towards the back of the net. Sophomore goalkeeper John Murphy managed to get a hand on the ball, but could not completely deflect it off course. The ball continued into the back of the net, sending the Abington bench bursting onto the field in celebration.
 
The win keeps Penn State Abington firmly in control of their playoff destiny. The Nittany Lions sit at 21 points in the NEAC conference standings, five points ahead of the next three teams in the standings with only four games left to play. The Nittany Lions continue their charge towards the postseason with their next game, Monday night against Gwynedd Mercy College. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Be sure to stay tuned to abingtonsports.com for all your Nittany Lions updates.