EWING, N.J. - The TCNJ men's soccer team stayed red-hot in its matchup against Penn State Berks Sunday afternoon, scoring three goals in each half to top the visiting Lions 6-0 at home. TCNJ's 11 goals through its first two games are the most to start a season since 2007, with the Lions starting 2-0 for the first time since 2019.
 
 TCNJ (2-0) threatened early and often in Sunday's game, firing off five shots – three on frame – in the opening 11 minutes before finally converting at the 12:02 mark.  Earning consecutive corners following their barrage of shots in the 11th minute, Aidan Grund sent in a ball to the near post. First to it was Lawrence Mancino, who redirected it perfectly to the far post and in for the opening score.
 
The Lions continued to pepper Penn State Berks' (0-2) net before scoring two goals less than a minute apart to triple their lead. Chris Meder struck first at the 33:59 mark, receiving a ball in the box from Aidan Ayar and pirouetting around a Lions defender before sending the ball into the bottom corner. Just 53 seconds later, Massimo Rodio drew a penalty, with his conversion giving TCNJ a 3-0 lead heading into the break.
 
Sunday's second half belonged to Matt Will, who tallied a goal and two assists in the final 45 to give the freshman a career day. Will kicked off the half with his second collegiate goal, receiving his corner insert right back from Grund before one-timing a shot that bounced into the side netting. Just over a minute later it was the freshman finding classmate Manny Thacher on a corner, with the midfielder's header finding the back of the net to make it a 5-0 game.
 
TCNJ's final goal came in the 67th minute when Will sent a through ball to a streaking Michael Pappas, who poked the ball around Penn State Berk's goalie for his first collegiate score. Neither side was able to convert in the final 20 minutes, securing the 6-0 win and a second straight shutout for the Lions.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• TCNJ outshot Penn State Berks 28-1 including an 18-0 advantage in shots on goal.
• The Lions also held a 12-1 lead in corners.

NOTES

• TCNJ's six goals are the most in a single game since 2018.
• This is the first time the Lions have opened the season with consecutive clean sheets since 2015.
• Mancino, Thacher and Pappas all scored their first goals in a TCNJ uniform in the win.
• Meder has already set season-best marks in both goals (3) and points (8).

UP NEXT

• The Lions are on the road to take on Penn State Harrisburg on Day 1 of the Brick City Classic Saturday, Sept. 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.