Box Score Abington, Pa. - There are becoming fewer and fewer undefeated teams across the NCAA Division III men's soccer landscape as the season ends its fourth calendar week. After another strong performance today against SUNY Cobleskill, the Penn State Abington squad ensured they remained in that category, defeating the Fighting Tigers by a score of 4-1.
 
It was after the first 25 minutes of gameplay that the Nittany Lions (5-0, 4-0 NEAC) truly began the defense of their unblemished record. In that early going, each team managed to get off several dangerous attacks and earn quite a few shots and corner kicks. After those first 25 minutes, however, Penn State Abington found their groove, and it all started with a goal from the foot of Saturday's hat-trick hero Marco Paparo.
 
In the 28^th minute, Penn State Abington earned their fourth corner of the match. Sophomore forward Alex Martins stepped up and sent a dangerous ball right into the goal box. The senior Paparo was the first to react to the delivery, getting a deft touch of the ball and directing it on net. A Fighting Tigers defender managed to deflect the ball, but it merely changed directions and continued straight into the back of the goal, giving the Nittany Lions the opening goal of the game. This was the fourth straight game in which Penn State Abington had netted the first tally of the match, a factor that definitely has contributed to the fantastic winning streak the team is on.
 
Just four minutes later, the home side would add to the scoreboard again, getting the eventual game-winner from the penalty spot. In the 32^nd minute, it was Martins once again, this time taking a great through ball and splitting the Fighting Tigers defense. One of the Cobleskill central defenders tried to keep pace with the speedy forward, but only managed to haul him down in the box. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot and awarded the Nittany Lions with the opportunity to add to their lead. Martins stepped up and calmly sent a powerful ball to the left side of the net while senior goalkeeper Mack Curran guessed wrong and went right.
 
After the second half started, it did not take long for Penn State Abington to add to their lead once again. In the 52^nd minute, senior forward Julian Ward took possesssion of a bad turnover by the Fighting Tigers in their own third. Ward intercepted a pass on the left side and dribbled into open space towards the top corner of the penalty box. He then drilled a laser of a shot from 20 yards over Curran's hands and straight into the left upper 90, pushing the Nittany Lions' lead to 3-0.
 
The Fighting Tigers (1-6-1, 1-3 NEAC) continued to put forth good effort despite the scoreline, and in the 64^th minute finally managed to get one back. Freshman forward Jonathan Zapata managed to dribble through the center of the Nittany Lions defense and get a shot on goal. Freshman goalkeeper James Carlin gave his best effort, but the shot was a good one and made its way just past him and into the net.
 
Although the score was now closer, it never really appeared as if the Nittany Lions were in danger of losing their lead. In fact, in the 83^rd minute, the home side would get that goal back with another penalty kick. This time, it was Ward who danced through the defense and was pulled to the ground in the box. Once again, the referee immediately awarded the penalty kick, which Ward converted easily, giving the Nittany Lions their final goal of the day and making the final scoreline 4-1.
 
The win helps Penn State Abington maintain their grip on the first place in the NEAC conference standings, as they stay one step ahead of in-state foe Penn State Harrisburg. The Nittany Lions now look forward to their next matchup against non-conference opponent Bryn Athyn. Penn State Abington will hit the road for that matchup, a Thursday night tilt slated to start at 4 p.m. The next chance to see the Nittany Lions at home comes on October 1^st, as the team will make up their rained-out match against Lancaster Bible College. Remember to keep tuned in to abingtonsports.com for all the news and highlights of the Penn State Abington men's soccer squad.