Box Score

EAST STROUDSBURG - In a battle of two nationally-ranked teams, it was a header by reserve forward John Velasco in the 79th minute that was the difference to give No. 18 East Stroudsburg University a 3-2 win over No. 12 Bridgeport on Friday night at Eiler-Martin Stadium.

Velasco's goal off an assist from Billy Albizatti came exactly a minute after Gilbert Bayonne tied the game at 2-2 to cap a second-half comeback for Bridgeport, which trailed 2-0 at the half. Curt Sutherland scored 11:20 into the half to cut ESU's lead to 2-1.

The Warriors got on the board off a corner kick in the 12th minute, as Jason Shegda finished a play that was started by Dan Evans and Danny Drago. ESU went ahead 2-0 with 2:29 left in the half, as Jason Rudder blasted the ball past Bridgeport keeper Ryan Brooks-Newton on a rebound opportunity.

Bridgeport had several chances to level the score in the final 10 minutes, but ESU goalkeeper Larry Pokrywa made two diving saves and the Purple Knights just missed on two other shots to keep the score at 3-2.

ESU entered the game ranked No. 3 in the Northeast Region, just behind Bridgeport, which was ranked second. The Warriors improve to 7-1 on the season, while Bridgeport suffered its second consecutive defeat to fall to 3-2-2.

ESU will take a 5-1 PSAC record into Monday night's game at West Chester. The Golden Rams are 4-1 and tied with Lock Haven for second in the conference standings.