Box Score

ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon men's soccer team was unable to overcome an early California (Pa.) lead Tuesday night as the Golden Knights suffered just their second loss of the season by a 2-0 final at Gannon University Field.

The home loss for Gannon snaps a streak of seven straight wins at Gannon University Field, with the last loss coming back on October 8, 2011 against East Stroudsburg (2-1). 

Gannon found themselves down 2-0 early after the Vulcans picked up quick goals in the 9th and 12th minutes. California (Pa.) came out fast and aggressive to start the contest, putting Gannon's defense on its heels. The Vulcans scored with a Chris Moehler goal following a pass from Jeffrey Kyei that cut through the defense. Just over three minutes later, the Vulcans were again pushing the pace, using a quick throw in to get behind the Gannon defense. Tyler Woolum floated the ball over the Gannon keeper to make it 2-0. 

Gannon settled after that, playing on more even terms the rest of the half. However, the Golden Knights were still out-shot 10-4 during the first 45 minutes. Keeper Jason Barbarino (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Plum Senior) made five stops while Cal needed just one save from goalie Alex Heston.

Following the break, Gannon came out looking for another come-from-behind win. Tyler Hollingsworth (Johannesburg, South Africa / St. David's Marist Inanda) started the effort with a goal in the 51st minute. After dribbling around a defender, Hollingsworth fired a shot at the Vulcans' keeper, who made the initial stop, but was unable to completely control the ball, as it rolled behind him and in. 

Gannon continued to apply pressure to the Vulcans during the rest of the half, out-shooting California (Pa.) 10-5 in the final 40 minutes. With Gannon pressing up, California had a golden opportunity for an insurance goal that was spoiled by a sprinting Gavin Linsell (Johannesburg, South Africa / King Edward VII) who chased Jeffrey Kyei on a breakaway. Kyei made a move to the outside and shot past the keeper. The ball looked to be headed directly in the net, but the sprinting Linsell knocked the ball away just a few yards in front of the goal.

The Golden Knights continued to press the rest of the half, but were unable to find any cracks in the California (Pa.) defense. Gannon held a 7-3 edge in corner kicks and eventually finished even in shots at 15 for each squad. 

The Golden Knights fell to 11-2 this season with a 5-1 mark in conference play. California (Pa.) extended its unbeaten streak to seven matches while improving to 9-5-1. The Vulcans moved to 4-2-1 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matches. The Golden Knights return to action Saturday, October 20 with a 3:30 p.m. road contest against Shippensburg.