PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. — Penn State Berks secured a historic 4-2 victory over Valley Forge on Tuesday, October 28 at The Patriot Field, bolstered by a strong first half with two early goals. This win marked Penn State Berks' first postseason victory in the NCAA-era, achieved in the First Round of the United East Championship Tournament.

The Nittany Lions opened the first half with a series of attempts on goal, with Nathan Fatkin and Sebastian Restrepo both testing the Valley Forge goalkeeper, Jayce Blanton, early on. Persistent pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Berks earned a a corner kick. Callan Stuck took the corner, sending a ball toward the near post. Restrepo leapt between three defenders and redirected a shot inside the far post giving the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead. This was Restrepo's first career goal. Maintaining their offensive momentum, Berks continued to dominate possession and create scoring chances, leading to a second goal in the 42nd minute. Terridine Grant won a ball in the midfield, beat a defender and fired a cross toward the other side of the box. Keegan Redcay was in perfect position, heading his first goal of the season into the back of the net, extending the advantage to 2-0. The half concluded with the Nittany Lions ahead, keeping Valley Forge scoreless.

The second half commenced with Berks holding a two-goal lead. Stuck extended the advantage in the 60th minute creating a turnover in front of the Patriots box and blasting in a shot, bringing the score to 3-0. This goal marked Stuck's 11th of the season, tying him for 7th in a single season in program history. Berks took a 4-0 lead in the 81st minute, when Redcay found Fatkin in space and he used his quickness to beat a defender and blast in a goal. This was also Fatkin's first goal of the season.

Valley Forge attempted a comeback with Melvin Maldonado and Kellen Preston each scoring, reducing the gap to 4-2. Despite these late efforts, Berks maintained their lead, closing out the half with a 4-2 victory.

Restrepo scored one goal and registered two shots on goal from three attempts. Grant contributed with one assist and had three shots, including one on target. Fatkin found the back of the net once and took three shots, with one being on goal. Redcay notched one goal and one assist, converting his sole shot into a goal. Stuck was pivotal with one goal, one assist, and the game-winning goal, leading the team with five shots and four on goal. Josh Martin made three saves in goal, facing eight shots and conceding two goals.



WHO'S NEXT
Penn State Berks will continue play in the United East Championship Tournament, hitting the road as they face #1 St. Mary's College of Maryland University. The match is set for November 1, with action kicking off at 3:00 PM in St. Mary's City, MD.

FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with Berks Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.