The Gannon University men’s soccer team remained winless on the season last week after absorbing two more close losses.
The Knights finished the week with a 0-4 record after a 3-2 overtime loss to Urbana University Wednesday and a 2-1 defeat at Ashland University Saturday.
On Wednesday, the Knights traveled to Urbana, Ohio, and started the match with great intensity as forward Mathias Krigbaum capitalized on a penalty kick opportunity in the 56th minute.
The lead was short-lived as Urbana’s Thibaut Bourrier headed in Antoine Ravera’s corner kick at 61 minutes.
Bourrier continued his offensive attack, landing the go-ahead goal on an assist from Moyin Ogunjobi in the 80th minute.
The Knights didn’t cease attacking the Urbana defense. With only 29 seconds left on the board, freshman Alex Lee Yaw directed a corner kick toward his senior teammate Sergio Kobowane, who shot the ball off the crossbar and into the goal.
Four minutes into overtime the Blue Knights quickly claimed victory with Ravera’s game-ending goal.
In Saturday’s matchup at Ashland, the Eagles scored first, 35 minutes into the first half.
Liam Duncan quickly passed ahead to Justin Libertowski, who launched the ball into the back corner of the net.
Libertowski fired again in the 71st minute, giving Ashland a 2-0 lead.
The Knights fought back hard as Manuel Mangu tallied his first goal of the season with a shot that threaded past the defense with three minutes left to play.
The Knights concluded the match with five shots on goal and 13 attempts overall. Ashland also had 13 attempts with nine of its shots on goal.
After the match, Gannon coach Dale White said that the Knights had “enough chances to win the game.”
White said he believes that defensive improvements will enable his team to get its first win this week as the Knights prepare to square off on the road against Pitt-Johnstown at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in their first PSAC match of the season.
The Knights hold a 4-0 record against the Mountain Cats.
Following Wednesday’s action, Gannon will compete in another PSAC contest against Bloomsburg University at 1 p.m. Saturday at McConnell Family Stadium.
KEEFER GREGOIRE
