ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon men's soccer team failed to upset nationally-ranked California (Pa.) Wednesday night as the Golden Knights fell by a 2-1 final during the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) match.
The Vulcans took control of the pace early, firing three shots in the first four minutes of the match. The Golden Knights had their first scoring opportunity during the 19th minute when Shane Hallett's (Elizabeth, Pa. / Elizabeth Forward) shot hit off the crossbar.
California would get off a total of seven shots during the first half, while Gannon produced just three. Gannon goalie Michael Kickel (Erie, Pa. / Cathedral Prep) turned away four shots during the half.
The offensive pace was slower in the second half as each team managed just two shots during the first 20 minutes of the second half. However, the Vulcans made their third shot of the half count as Edin Sabric put Cal ahead with a goal in the 67th minute. Jon Murphy and Djamal Boudhar were both credited with assists.
In the 75th minute Kickel deflected back-to-back shots from Djamel Boudhar and Ian Cheek, to keep the Golden Knights within one goal. However, Cheek wouldn't be denied minutes later as he scored on a header in the 80th minute for his first goal of the season.
Faycal Benjelloun (Rabat, Morocco / Lycee Descartes) put Gannon on the scoreboard in the 88th minute, but the comeback effort proved too late as the Golden Knights fell by a 2-1 final. Robbie Bennett (Durban, South Africa / St. Benedict School) assisted on the goal for his 25th point of the season.
California (Pa.) held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks during the match while also out-shooting Gannon 16-10. Two of the Golden Knights' shots were on goal compared to nine for the Vulcans.
Kickel finished with seven saves during the match. Cal's Charlie Dagnal needed just one save to earn his eighth win of the season.
Gannon fell to 4-5-1 overall with an 0-2 mark in conference play. California (Pa.) earned its third conference win this season to hold a 3-1-1 PSAC record and an 8-1-2 overall record.
Gannon will face Shippensburg on Saturday, October 1 in a PSAC doubleheader. The women's match is scheduled for 3 p.m. with the men's to follow at 5:30 p.m.
For a complete box score from tonight's Gannon-California (Pa.) men's soccer match, please click here.
