CALIFORNIA (Aug. 31) – The Vulcans suffered a 4-0 season-opening loss to West Virginia Wesleyan in non-conference play on Thursday night at the Phillipsburg Soccer Facility.

Cal U posted an early scoring chance in the first half when sophomore Cooper Amos (McDonald, Pa./West Allegheny) found room in the box, but his shot ultimately was saved by the goalkeeper. Junior Christian Fletcher (Moon Twp., Pa./Moon) received a free kick opportunity in the 28th minute, which sailed over the crossbar ending the Vulcan attack. Both team went into halftime tied at 0-0.

West Virginia Wesleyan scored the opening goal of the game in the 56th minute after the ball was crossed through the box and put in the back of the net by Conor Davies. The Bobcats added an insurance goal five minutes later on a penalty kick from Paul Smith following a take down in the box. West Virginia Wesleyan collected its third goal in the 69th minute from Matthew Bentley, who fired the shot from 25 yards out into the left side of the net. The Bobcats claimed their last goal off a header from Juwon Akintunde, which came from a corner kick.

Junior goalkeeper Lucas Exner (Horstmar, Germany/Pascal-Gymnasium) posted seven saves in the loss while playing all 90 minutes.

West Virginia Wesleyan held a 19-4 advantage in shots and recorded seven corner kicks.

Cal U returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 2, when it hosts Wheeling Jesuit in non-conference play at 4:30 p.m.