CEDARVILLE, Ohio (Sept. 19) – Despite a career-high nine saves by sophomore goalkeeper
Joseph Valeriano (Southampton, N.J./Seneca), who was making his first career start, the Vulcans suffered a 3-0 loss at Cedarville on Tuesday night in non-conference play.
With the loss, the California University of Pennsylvania men's soccer drops to 0-4 overall while playing non-conference opponents. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets move to 3-4 on the season and record their first victory at home.
The Vulcan offense came out strong registering four shots in the opening 10 minutes of the contest. Freshman
Ismael Garcia (Valladolid, Spain/IES Emilio Ferrari) nearly put Cal U on board when his shot from right outside was saved by the diving Cedarville goalkeeper. The Yellow Jackets had a great opening at the 31:46-mark on a corner kick attempt, but the Vulcan defense swarmed to the ball just in time to end the scoring chance. Late in the first half, freshman
Elijah Setlock (Annville, Pa./Annville-Cleona) took a quick shot inside the 18-yard box that was saved by the goalie. Cal U held a 6-4 shot advantage and a slight 3-2 edge in corner kicks after the initial 45 minutes.
Both teams struggled to keep their footing in the early minutes of the second half as rain began to fall at YJ Field. The Yellow Jackets were award a penalty kick in the 57th minute after a pull down inside the box, which forced the Vulcans to play the remainder of the game down one player. Junior Derek Braak took the opportunity and beat the keeper to put the home side up 1-0. Just over ten minutes later, the Vulcans received a penalty kick chance that was taken by Valeriano, which the Cedarville keeper saved. Yellow Jacket junior Bryce Childers tallied back-to-back goals in a span of about four minutes to extend the lead.
Valeriano posted seven of his nine saves in the second half while playing all 90 minutes.
Cedarville finished the contest with 21-11 shot advantage, including 17 shots in second half, and held a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
The Vulcans return home on Friday, Sept. 22, to open Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play by facing East Stroudsburg at 7 p.m.
