Box Score ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. – Janse Schermerhorn's goal in the 17th minute was all Franklin & Marshall ended up needing in a 1-0 shutout of Elizabethtown on Saturday evening in non-conference men's soccer action, bringing the Smith-Herr Boot back to Lancaster. The Diplomats improved to 5-0 on the year, all shutouts, while the Blue Jays fell to 1-2-1.
The annual game marks a tradition between the two rival programs, dating back to 1977. Elizabethtown entered the contest in possession of the prize due to a 0-0 2OT draw last season in which case the visiting team is awarded the boot.
Midway through the first half Schermerhorn helped F&M get it back.
Chase TenBrook found the freshman forward open on the right side of the box and fed him the ball, which Schermerhorn chipped over the Blue Jay's goalkeeper for the 1-0 lead.
The Diplomats nearly made it 2-0 in the 26th minute when a TenBrook header was aimed for the left corner of the net but an Elizabethtown defender made a brilliant play, stepping in front of the line and redirecting the attempt off the post and out.
As has been the case throughout the beginning of the 2014 season, F&M controlled possession throughout, limiting Elizabethtown's chances in the competition. Trevor Britton (5-0) came up big when called upon; recording five saves for his fourth shutout of the year. The junior keeper has yet to give up a goal on the season.
The Blue Jays' goalkeeper Justin Signora (1-1-1) came up with clutch stops to keep his team in the game. None more so than in the 74th minute when Jared Bomba lined up for a penalty kick, chose left and Signora guessed correctly, diving over to make the save and keep the contest close.
Elizabethtown led in shots at 13-12, including an 8-4 edge in the second half. Chris Scott, Bomba and TenBrook each registered a pair of shots with six other Diplomats picking up an attempt on the evening.
F&M returns to the field on Wednesday, hosting Alvernia for a 4:00 p.m. game.
