By Matthew D. Stokes

BerryVikings.com Staff Writer

MAHWAH, N.J. – For the second time in as many games, Zak Wallingford scored the game-winning goal, helping Berry (2-0) upend Rowan (1-1) by a final score of 2-1 and secure the 2012 President's Cup title on Saturday afternoon.

In the early going, Berry got on the board first via sophomore David Shaw's blast into the upper ninety past a diving goalkeeper at 42:54. Berry led 1-0 at halftime, but Rowan responded with a goal by Ryan Gordon at 55:09. With less than 20 minutes to go, Matt Majestic passed to Wallingford, and he converted with the decisive goal at 70:07.

"It was a tough first half," said Berry head coach Richard Vardy. "We didn't play bad, but I think they had more of the pressure and possession. The second half was a very even game between two pretty good teams."

Freshman goalkeeper Logan Hill picked up yet another victory for Berry, making nine saves along the way. Rowan's Ryan Gill took the loss. He recorded six saves on the day.

Rowan edged Berry in the shots department by a 16-10 margin. Jared Mangone fired off five shots while Shane Kohler had four. Wallingford led Berry with three shots.

Berry returns to action for its home opener on Saturday against Guilford at 2 p.m.

"We're hoping that we can have a repeat of this weekend," said Vardy when asked about what he expects for the upcoming four-game homestand.

-BerryVikings.com-