CALIFORNIA (Sept. 1) – Playing a highly physical contest, the California University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team used an early goal and a shutout by senior goalkeeper
Lucas Exner (Horstmar, Germany/Pascal-Gymnasium) to claim a 1-0 victory over Findlay in non-conference play at the Phillipsburg Soccer Facility.
With the win, the Vulcans improve to 1-0-1 this season while playing a pair of teams that combined for 25 victories last year. Meanwhile, the Oilers drop to 0-2 this year after losing both games by shutout.
Exner recorded his 10th career shutout on Saturday while making his initial start of the season. He is now tied with
Eric Greaves (2004-06) for second place all-time in school history in shutouts. Exner also broke a tie for fourth place in Cal U history with his 17th career victory.
Cal U scored the lone goal of the contest at the 13:13-mark when redshirt freshman
Conner Griest (Biglerville, Pa./Biglerville) scored off a deflection following a free kick by freshman
Abdulla Nuredini (Collegeville, Pa./Spring Ford). The Vulcans maintained the 1-0 lead throughout the remainder of the first half, which featured a combined 25 fouls and five yellow cards.
In the second half, the Vulcans threatened with a header off a corner kick in the 57th minute before the shot sailed high of the net. Cal U again nearly increased its lead in the 82nd minute when a shot attempt hit directly off the post. Less than two minutes later Findlay freshman Joey Buscani was issued his second yellow card of the game and the Oilers were forced to play down a man. Shortly after, Oiler junior Josh Dickinson was issued a pair of yellow cards in just 21 seconds and Findlay played the final three-plus minutes down two players.
Overall, the teams were whistled for a staggering 53 fouls and issued 12 yellow cards on Saturday.
Exner tallied five saves to earn the shutout victory. Findlay finished with a 10-6 shot advantage with each team attempting four shots in the second half. The Oilers also recorded a 4-1 edge in corner kicks.
Cal U is idle for over a week before it travels to face Roberts Wesleyan on Sept. 12 in Rochester, New York, at 6 p.m.
