Austin Gerber scored his three goals in the second half. (Photo courtesy of the Rochester Lancers)
Austin Gerber struck for a second-half hat-trick to power the Italian American Sport Club to a 4-0 triumph over Pittsburgh City United in a second-round match of the local qualifying competition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Saturday.
The IASC is represented by the Roc City Boom.
The team advanced to the Northeast third round, which will be played the weekend of Oct. 16-17.
Anthony Rozano, who most recently stood out with the indoor Rochester Lancers, started the scoring in the 48th minute by converting a a rebound of his penalty kick, which had been saved.
Then it became a Gerber showcase.
Gerber, who performed for the indoor and outdoor Lancers, doubled the lead by firing home a 15-yard shot in the 64th minute.
He was far from finished. In the 80th minute, City United goalkeeper Sam Sharpless came off his line to stop Ali Shawish’s shot that traveled wide right. Gerber, however, took advantage of Pittsburgh’s exposed left flank to notch his second goal.
Several minutes later, Gerber put an exclamation point on the game with his third goal.
