MSOC11-5-00

ESU-California, Pa. Men's Soccer

East Stroudsburg, Pa. - Goalie Jason Land made five saves and was named the game's outstanding player in leading East Stroudsburg University to its fourth straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference men's soccer championship with a 2-0 win over California Sunday at Eiler-Martin Stadium.

It was the Warriors' 14th PSAC title, tenth under Coach Jerry Sheska, and seventh in eight years. California was making its first appearance in the conference playoffs.

The ESU booters raised their record to 17-2-1 with their tenth straight win and now will await a possible NCAA Division II Soccer Tournament berth. Selections for the tourney will be made Monday with four teams, ESU, Dowling, C.W. Post and LIU-Southampton, in contention for the two regional berths.

Forward Jorge Chapoy put the Warriors ahead after only 6:44 of play with his 20th goal of the season. He took a pass from Tom Mustac, the team's other forward, and chipped a shot over the head of California goalie Seth Shaw.

The game remaining 1-0 until 13:23 into the second half when midfielder Eric Kolar made a pinpoint crossing pass from the 20 yards out on the right to forward Brad Konawalik at the far post. Konawilik didn't hesitate and headed the ball sharply into the back of the nets for third goal of the campaign.

Kolar was a key player for the Warriors' defense as he marked California's high-scoring forward Tomas Boltnar, who had a conference-leading 20 goals and 19 assists, and kept him from being a factor in the game.

The rest of the ESU defense of sweeper back Sean Stewart, outside backs Erik Buksa and Kurt Nusshag and stopper back Komar Samuels also turned in a strong performance with Stewart in particular controlling the backline in front of Land.

It was Land's third straight championship game shutout. He also had been the goalie as the Warriors beat Millersville, 1-0, two years ago and downed Lock Haven, 3-0, last season.

The junior from Carney's Point, N.J. came out of the nets to cut off the angle and thwarted one California one-on-one attempt. He then used his lightning-quick reactions to make a diving save on what appeared to be an almost certain Vulcans' goal late in the second half.

Land extended his streak of scoreless minutes to 572 with sixth straight shutout and ninth this season. He lowered his goal-against average to 0.35 per game.

The Warriors had numerous opportunities to blow the game open, but either hit the crossbars with shots or spoiled breakaways with offside violations. Samuels had a penalty kick attempt in the first half after California hand violation, but booted the ball right at Shaw.

ESU had a 14-11 edge in shots with Shaw, who also played well in the nets, making five saves. With the loss, the Vulcans ended the season with a 14-7 record.

California (14-7) 0-0 0

East Stroudsburg (17-2-1) 1-1 2

ESU - Jorge Chapoy (Tom Mustac), 6:44

ESU - Brad Konawalik (Eric Kolar), 58:23

Shots: ESU 14, Calif. 11; Corner Kicks: ESU 1, Calif. 5; Goalie Saves: ESU - Jason Land 5, Calif. - Seth Shaw 5.

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