April 10, 2009

Soccer Knocks Off California (Pa.) 3-1 in Spring Opener

     Youngstown -- The Youngstown State soccer team opened up the spring season with a 3-1 victory over California University of Pennsylvania at Stambaugh Stadium on Thursday evening.  The Penguins tallied the first goal of the contest  just 10 minutes into the first half with a 22 yard blast from midfielder Jordan Gapczynski assisted by Jodi Bowlen .
    Throughout  the first half the Guins maintained possession and initiated numerous attacks on a the Vulcans' defense. The two teams fought hard in the final 10 minutes in the first half, but neither offense was able to capitalize on the scoring opportunities.

    YSU came out in the second half and once again seized the initiative by controlling the ball. Several scoring opportunities were created but the Penguins were unable to connect with the net until Hannah Snyder found a break in the Vulcan's defense. Snyder sent a cross to Bowlen who slotted the ball past the Cal goalkeeper to put YSU up 2-0.  

    The Penguins extended their lead to 3-0 with 14 minutes left when Jessica McMurray struck  a 25-yard lofting shot that beat the Vulcan keeper.

    In the last minute, YSU's defense gave up a goal that came from just outside the 18-yard box on a pass deflected off several players. The ball was retrieved by a rushing Vulcan attacker who split the Penguin's defense and scored Cal's only goal in the 89th minute of play.