The Erie Admirals continued their march toward the NPSL Final Four, as they were victorious against the Pocono Snow 2-1 at East Stroudsburg University’s Eiler-Martin Stadium
An 88th minute goal by Luke Holmes of Notre Dame College (Ohio), gave the first-place away Erie Admirals a win over the Pocono Snow Soccer Club.
Holmes’ goal came against the run of play, after the host Snow had swung the momentum in theirfavor following a 75th minute goal by Stroudsburg High School graduate, and current Colgate University player,Alex Weekes. Weekes’ goal nullified a 54th minute Erie Admirals goal by forward Billy Colton.
The Snow were outshot by Erie by a 16-9 margin. Pocono Snow goalkeeper Larry Pokrywa, who also plays for East Stroudsburg University, made four saves in defeat, while Erie goalkeeper Danny Mudd made 1.
Pocono Snow have had a rough inaugural season, now on a 0-8-1 record. The club is feeling the first year blues, but match reports are promising, noting that Pocono is a much improved club since the beginning of the season, which is welcoming news as a top class NPSL organization.
Keystone Conference Playoff Scenario
With the Erie win, the Keystone Conference Playoff Scenario is as follows:
Erie Admirals advance if…
1) Erie wins one out of their remaining two matches this weekend (FC Reading Revolution and Charm City FC)
2) Erie loses both matches, and Buffalo City FC does not win both matches this weekend.
Buffalo City FC advance if…
1) Erie Admirals lose both remaining matches, and BCFC wins both remaining matches this weekend.
Based on the first eight weeks of the season, it is looking as if Erie Admirals will pass onto the Northeast Region playoffs the weekend of July 17th.
FC Reading Revolution and Charm City FC cannot be overlooked however, as the Revs are argubly the most improved team in the NPSL since the beginning of the season, while Charm City FC are 2009 Region I US Open Cup finalists, not an laughing matter.
