CALIFORNIA, Pa. - The Malone University men's soccer team fell to 0-3-0 on the season with a 2-0 loss to California University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening. The Vulcans are undefeated at 2-0-0.
 
California went on the attack offensively early in the contest and junior goalkeeper Sam Cipriano made a save in just the eighth minute of play. Attempts in the 9th and 26th minutes were off the mark as well for the Vulcans.
 
The Pioneers got their first look at the net in the 31st minute when new substitute senior Anthony Birus had his shot saved by the opposing goalkeeper. That would be the only shot of the first 45 minutes for Malone in a 6-1 difference in attempts.
 
The Pioneers made a change in goal for the second period with freshman Roman Sigafoos (0-1-0) getting his first collegiate opportunity. Shots by senior Mason Gradel, sophomore Caleb Redding and junior Nate Werthmuller missed the frame to begin the second half.
 
California got behind the defense in the 59th minute to claim a 1-0 lead. They would go on to add an insurance goal in the 69th minute to make it 2-0.
 
Malone outshot their opponents 10-7 in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Werthmuller and Birus forced the opponents to make defensive plays on the ball in the 86th and 87th minutes, but neither attempt found the back of the net.
 
That concludes non-conference play for the Pioneers as they travel to Thomas More University on Thursday, September 18 for their first Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) match. Kick-off is set for 7:30 P.M. immediately following the women's game that begins at 5:00 P.M.