The Gannon University men’s soccer team had a modest two-game winning streak snapped in a 1-0 loss to Roberts Wesleyan Monday night at McConnell Family Stadium.
The Knights, who fell to 5-8 overall with the nonconference loss, had improved to 3-5 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference with a 4-0 shutout of host California (Pa.) Saturday. That win came on the heels of a 2-1 victory over the University of the District of Columbia Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
In the win over California, Gannon scored twice in the first 21 minutes of the match and never looked back.
“We jumped on the field and dominated from the first minute of play and tried to play our game,” sophomore midfielder Alejandro Ferrero said.
The Knights quickly put pressure on the Vulcans after sophomore George Stannard netted a penalty kick past California goalie Lucas Exner at the seven-minute mark, giving Gannon a 1-0 lead.
The Knights showed great teamwork 14 minutes later as junior Hamza Mourchid, who recently recovered from an injury, assisted freshman Tyler Martin on his first goal career goal. Mourchid passed to Martin in the box and Martin put it past Exner for a 2-0 Gannon lead.
Sophomore goalie Jorge Hernandez kept the Knights rolling with a big save before the half on a penalty kick by the Vulcans, giving the Knights momentum going into the second half.
“The brilliant actions of our defenders, forwards and our keeper, who saved a penalty kick in a key phase of the game, helped us control the course of the game at every moment and bring that victory to Gannon,” Ferrero said.
In the 64th minute of play the Knights added a third goal after one of California’s defenders deflected a ball into his own goal giving Gannon a 3-0 lead.
Redshirt junior Jason Fox capped the Knights’ scoring with a bang in the 73rd minute as he netted a 30-yard goal off of a loose ball, making the final score 4-0.
Gannon coach Dale White said the Knights hadn’t done much different besides the addition of the previously injured forward, Mourchid, adding, “Apart from that, the team has been doing what they have been doing all along but with much fewer errors.”
BRANDON JACES
