FROSTBURG, Md. - Sophomore Kenny Dotter (Baltimore, Md./Sparrows Point) scored a goal and added an assist to help lift the Frostburg State men’s soccer team to a 2-0 defeat of Bethany in its home opener Thursday afternoon at Bobcat Field.

Senior Matt Moffa (Baltimore, Md./Eastern Tech), who has scored in three straight games, gave the Bobcats (2-6) the early 1-0 lead just 44 seconds into action when he netted his sixth goal of the season. Dotter was credited with the assist.

The game appeared to be tied at the 27:19 mark when Bethany’s John Zervos knocked in a loose ball in front of Bobcat keeper Bryan Varhol (Alexandria, Va./Bishop O'Connell). However, the referees ruled that Varhol had possession and the score remained in FSU’s favor.

Frostburg State wasted little time, taking advantage of the Bison (5-1-1) misfortune when Dotter scored of a feed from sophomore Eric Whisman (Severn, Md./Gen Burnie) with 15:55 remaining in the first half.

The Bison created opportunities late in the first but Varhol made two big saves preserving the 2-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, both teams struggled to gain momentum until 13:06 when senior Kodjo Gnatiko (Montgomery Village, Md./Montgomery Blair) ripped a shot from inside the 18-yard box forcing Bison keeper Kosta Floros to make a save. Floros made another save just 11 seconds later, this time off the foot of Moffa, to keep the score within reach at 2-0.

Bethany would get off just two shots the rest of the second half as the game came to a close.

Varhol made six saves in earning his first win of the season while Floros made four saves suffering his first loss of the year.

“It was nice to finally have a home game and we were all looking forward to it,” says Head Coach Keith Byrnes. “We came out with high energy and it was great to get the early goal. The first half was the best half of soccer we have played all season. Bethany pressured us in the second half, but the guys worked hard and I am pleased to open our season at home with a shutout. We hope to carry this momentum into the home opener against Pitt Bradford.” .”

The Bobcats return to action Saturday, September 24 when they open Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference action against Pitt-Bradford at 3:00 pm.