EAST STROUDSBURG, PA (September 5, 2010) – It took some time to get going but once the Kutztown University women's soccer found its groove, there was little Assumption College could do to slow the Golden Bears. (BOXSCORE)

Fueled by two goals from freshman Megan Black and a four-goal barrage in the second half, Kutztown dominated the final 20 minutes and defeated Assumption, 5-1, in the East Stroudsburg tournament at Eiler-Martin Stadium Sunday. The Golden Bears, who are ranked 22nd in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Top 25 poll, improved their early season mark to 2-0.

Kutztown has started the season by scoring 12 goals in its two games. Moreover, the Golden Bears has received at least one goal from eight players. Black leads KU with three total goals.

“Although it is still very early in the year, I am very proud of the way we have progressed so far this season,” Kutztown women's soccer coach Erik Burstein said. “All of the girls are embracing our style of play and we are seeing tremendous results. As long as we stay focused, and we continue to push ourselves on the training field, I am very confident we will continue to see good performances and positive results.”

However, it took some time for Kutztown to find its goal scoring touch as it lead 1-0 at halftime thanks to a goal from Crystal Zerbe in the 18th minute. Assumption got the equalizer in the 61st minute when Nicole Savi converted a penalty kick.

The Golden Bears raised their game to another level and left the Greyhounds behind. Carolynne Kahl answered Savi with a successful penalty kick conversion that gave the Golden Bears the lead for good, 2-1 in the 69th minute. Less than a minute later, Sarah Black scored off a Kahl pass to expand KU's lead to 3-1 and give it control of the contest. Megan Black (Yardville, NJ/Steinert) finished off the victory by scoring twice in the final 20 minutes.

“I am extremely pleased with the way we played today,” Burstein said. “In the first half we really had long stretches of play where we were very good with the ball and we created several quality chances. After the break, Assumption found a lot of energy and they kept us on the back foot with some good pressure. Although we defended well during that spell, we conceded a penalty kick and we found ourselves in a situation where we had to refocus and get back to doing the little things. The response from the girls was outstanding! We really seemed to settle down after the goal and we began pushing to win the game. Some of the quality in the final 25-minutes was outstanding.”

Kutztown sophomore keeper Alyssa Hackelberg had six saves for the Golden Bears.

The Golden Bears return to action Friday afternoon when it begins Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play against Mercyhurst College at 3 p.m. Kutztown knocked off Mercyhurst, 2-1, in overtime last year.

--KU--