CALIFORNIA (Oct.8) – Behind a goal from senior Jake Nebinski (Ardara, Pa./Norwin) in the first half, the California (PA) men's soccer team posted a 1-0 win against Pitt-Johnstown in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West play on Saturday afternoon at the Phillipsburg Soccer Facility.

With the win, the Vulcans improve to 3-6-1 overall with a 1-4 mark in divisional play. Cal, which earned its first home victory of the year, holds a 10-0-1 mark against UPJ since the Mountain Cats joined the league in 2013. Meanwhile, the Mountain Cats fall to 1-8-1 this season behind a 0-5 record in league play.

Cal applied the early pressure as it tallied a pair of shot attempts within the opening 11 minutes. UPJ answered with an attempt that was saved by junior goalkeeper Payton Smith (Columbus, Ohio/Lincoln) at the 13:30-mark. Following a foul by the Mountain Cats near the top of their box, Nebinski connected on his free kick attempt to notch his first goal of the season in the 23rd minute of the game. The Vulcans maintained their aggressive play for the remainder of the first half, as they posted four corner kicks and four shot attempts.

In the second half, UPJ recorded a trio of shot attempts over a 10-minute span followed by a pair of corner kicks and an attempt in the 71st and 72nd minute. In the last 18 minutes of play, the Mountain Cats only managed one corner kick with no shot attempt as a result.

Smith collected three saves in 90 minutes, as he earned his third win of the campaign.

Cal out-shot UPJ by a 13-5 edge, while the Vulcans held the advantage in corner kicks by a 9-3 margin.

The Vulcans return to action Wednesday, Oct. 12, as they travel to face Shippensburg in non-conference play at 6:30 p.m.