The John Carroll University Blue Streaks played the role of unrelenting host in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Soccer Tournament against the Penn State Abington Nittany Lions, turning up the offense to produce a 4-0 victory in a first round match up staged at Don Shula Stadium Saturday night.

Both teams had to deal with the winter-like elements, but John Carroll probably felt a lot better about matters by starting the proceedings with a flurry of several great chances within the first few minutes. Seniors Chad Kanakkanatt and Eric Rozsits led the way on the right side of the field for the Streaks, with Kanakkanatt's shot attempt in the 17th minute struck off the right post the best chance at a Blue Streak breakthrough.

Kanakkanatt's continued hard work paid off in the 24th minute, the senior slotted home off a tremendous bit of build up play involving Mitchell Kotheimer and Jarrod McDowell. The goal seemed to settle the Blue Streaks, who rode out the rest of the half dominating the ball, as well as the rest of the chances.

The Blue Streaks outshot the Nittany Lions 6-2, and outdid Abington on corners as well, by a tally of 2-0. The Blue Streaks took their 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half started much like the first, with the Blue Streaks initiating the first chance of the period. Roszits, who showcased his on the ball ability from the right sided fullback position, provided a great service for the Blue Streaks, which was just out of the reach of several John Carroll attackers.

Another breakthrough came for the Blue Streaks in the 63rd minute of the second half, when Kanakkanatt continued his stellar performance by assisting on a goal scored by Lawrence Cersosimo.

Cersosimo almost increased the Blue Streak lead only a couple minutes later, as his shot attempt at Abington's goal flashing just wide.

The next few minutes after the Cersosimo chance continued in the same manner for Carroll, who started to flex their muscle on an Abington side that started to get run thin by the two goal deficit.

The Blue Streaks were again rewarded for their attacking intent, as super substitute Mikey Burrington slotted home his goal bound effort to extend the lead to an even more commanding 3-0 scoreline.

Burrington put his stamp on the commanding victory for Carroll with the time dwindling, when he curled an impressive left footed effort into the top corner of the Abington goal, extending the lead to 4-0 with only a minute left in the match.

John Carroll has now won first round matches in back-to-back years, and improved to 6-6-1 all-time in eight NCAA appearances.

The Blue Streaks (14-4-2) won the shots battle, 17-6, as Liam McIntosh made two saves to preserve the shutout.

Penn Sate Abington ends its season at 14-6-1.