ERIE, Pa. (Sept. 26) – After yielding a goal in the opening minutes of the contest, the Vulcans fell by a 2-0 count at Gannon on Wednesday night in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action.
 
With the loss, the California University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team drops to 1-3-3 overall behind a 0-3 record in league action. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights improve to 5-3 this season and remain undefeated in conference play with a 5-0 mark.
 
At the 5:09-mark, sophomore Sam Thornton scored the initial goal of the match, his seventh of the season, which is tied for the conference lead, to give Gannon the early 1-0 advantage. Senior Eric Campbell (Erie, Pa./Harbor Creek) attempted to answered in the ninth minute, but saw his header saved by the Golden Knight goalie. Over the remainder of the half, senior goalkeeper Lucas Exner (Horstmar, Germany/Pascal-Gymnasium) kept Cal U within striking distance after tallying six saves on 11 shots. The Golden Knights took a 1-0 lead in the halftime, while also holding a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Both teams were held without a shot throughout the opening 10-plus minutes of the second half. In the 61st minute, Gannon freshman Joe Knox recorded another goal on an assist from redshirt sophomore Baran Kilic to take a 2-0 lead. With 20 minutes left in the half, the Vulcans notched four shots in less than a minute, which results in a pair of blocked shots and a save by the Golden Knight defense. Both teams exchanged shots in the closing minutes, as Gannon secured the victory.
 
Exner finished with six saves while playing all 90 minutes of action versus the Golden Knights.
 
Gannon held a 16-7 shot advantage, including an 8-2 margin in shots on goal, and posted an 8-4 edge in corner kicks.
 
The Vulcans continue PSAC play on Saturday, Sept. 29, when they host Millersville at Phillipsburg Soccer Facility, starting at 2:30 p.m.