Box Score Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Three different Golden Rams scored as host West Chester University shut out visiting Holy Family University, 3-0, to pick up its first win of the season in a non-league soccer match on South Campus Thursday afternoon.
West Chester (1-2) scored for the first time all year on a free kick from 20 yards out in the first half by senior co-captain Neil Gallagher. He kicked the ball in the far side of the net as Holy Family (3-2) was still trying to construct its wall.
The Rams doubled the lead in the second half on another free kick from just outside the area. Christian Benner pushed a pass to an on-rushing Tommy Ryan on the re-start, and Ryan sent a rocket into the upper right-hand corner of the goal to make it a 2-0 game.
West Chester put the finishing touches on the win when Brett Snyder tapped home a cross from John Gabel with thee minutes left in the contest.
"The guys feel good about this win," head coach Kendall Walkes said. "I want them to ride this positive energy right now.
"Yesterday's practice was good. We scored some goals in the scrimmage, and I think the way we played yesterday carried over to the first 10 minutes of today's game. We are trying to make them aware of strength in numbers and playing as a team. I think our last goal was a good example of that."
Garrett Bleiler (1-2) went the distance in goal and recorded his third career shutout while making two saves.
West Chester hits the road on Sunday to take on New York Institute of Technology at 3:30 p.m. in another non-league tilt. The Golden Rams then open the PSAC portion of their schedule at Shippensburg on Wednesday.
