ERIE, Pa. - The outcome in matches between two good teams is usually determined by who takes advantage of their opportunities. No. 20 California (Pa.) did just that Wednesday afternoon, scoring two second-half goals en route to an important 2-0 conference victory in women's soccer action at Gannon University Field.

Both teams came into Wednesday's contest regionally-ranked. California (Pa.) is third in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) Atlantic regional rankings while Gannon is fifth. Cal is also tabbed 20th nationally among all NCAA Division II programs.

The first half was battled on even terms as Cal out-shot Gannon 11-9. Gannon's two best opportunities came late in the half. The first chance came after a foul deep in Cal territory. Tenyka Francique (Brampton, Ontario/International) took the kick from 20 yards out to the left side of the goal, but narrowly sailed the ball over the cross bar in the 32nd minute.

Moments later in the 40th minute, Andrea Eisenhart (East Liverpool, Ohio/Beaver Local) received a nice pass on the right side. However, the junior midfielder was unable to get much on the shot and was stopped by California (Pa.) goalkeeper Paula Jackson.

Play began to open up in the second half. California (Pa.) struck first in the 55th minute. Sam Regney initially took a shot that was turned away by Gannon goalkeeper Sabrina Chirco (Brampton, Ontario/St. Thomas Aquinas), but Bethany Smyda controlled the rebound and barely slipped a slow shot inside the right post.

Amanda Sharbaugh (Sarver, Pa./Knoch) had an opportunity to tie the match in the 61st minute when she got behind the defense, but Jackson made a nice 1-on-1 save to preserve Cal's one-goal lead.

Francique then had another brief opening in the 81st minute, but was forced to her left and a left-footed shot sailed wide of the goal.

California (Pa.) iced the victory on Carley Work's first goal of the season with 1:11 remaining in regulation. Smyda and Work broke into the offensive zone with a 2-on-1 break. Work then took a pass from Smyda behind the lone defender and scored on a breakaway, increasing the lead to 2-0 and sealing the decision.

The Vulcans out-shot the Lady Knights 18-17 and held a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Chirco recorded eight saves in defeat. Jackson turned away six shots and has yet to allow a goal in 421 minutes this season.

Gannon dropped to 2-2-1 overall and 1-2 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) with its second consecutive loss to a top-25 team. California (Pa.) improved to 4-0-1 overall and 1-0-1 in conference play. The Lady Knights return to action Saturday, September 18 at Shippensburg. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

For a complete box score from Wednesday's Gannon-California (Pa.) women's soccer match, please click here.