Brendan Shannon Nets a Hat-Trick to Lead Men's Soccer to First Win of the Season

By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. – The Penn State Mont Alto men's soccer team earned its first win of the season in thrilling fashion thanks in large part to the outstanding play of Brendan Shannon (Biglerville, Pa. / Bigglerville). The Lions traveled to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. in a match with PSU Wilkes-Barre and rallied from a 0-3 deficit to earn the 4-3 victory with Shannon netting the game-winner as well as a hat-trick. The win improves Mont Alto's overall record to 1-8 on the season and 1-2 in the PSUAC.

Trailing 3-0 with 15-minutes remaining in the first half, Penn State Mont Alto found the back of the net when Grant Shughart (Carlisle, Pa. / Carlisle) found Brendan Shannon (Biglerville, Pa. / Biglerville) who scored his first goal of the season. Shannon would find the back of the net minutes later on a set piece attempt that was converted by Skyler Miller (Shippensburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area).

The Mont Alto defense remained strong in the second half with Alex Martinez (Fredrick, Md. / Governor Thomas Johnson) and Steve Bierbower (Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Career Magnet) sharing the duties in goal. The Lions equalized when midfielder Will Gray (Coatesville, Pa. / Coatesville Area) connected with Skyler Miller (Shippensburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area).

The eventual game-winner was scored with four minutes remaining in the match as Shannon beat the Wilkes-Barre keeper once again. Will Gray (Coatesville, Pa. / Coatesville Area) assisted on the goal.

Mont Alto returns to action on Thursday, September 28 when it travels to Hagerstown Community College for a non-conference matchup. Game time is slated for 4 p.m.