READING, Pa. - Self-inflicted wounds cost Penn State Harrisburg men's soccer in a 2-0 setback at Alvernia in the team's season opener on Friday evening, Sept. 1. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Lions (0-1) were unable to capitalize on a one-on-one opportunity in the opening minutes, as an attempt from Jaden Longdon missed wide after Alvernia goalkeeper Evan Solley raced from the net and applied pressure to break up the early scoring chance. 

The visitors were hit with their second yellow card of the opening half 10 minutes later and the Golden Wolves (1-0) took advantage when Nick Willson found the back of the net off a free kick assist from just outside the box by Gabe Wunderlich. The home team struck again in the 21st minute when Ryan Cogill chased down a clear from Connor Kraycik and beat Penn State Harrisburg goalkeeper Hossam Aly to the ball before finishing it off with the game's second marker. 

Things got tougher for the Lions when they were issued a red card after trying to stop a potential breakaway chance for Alvernia in the 27th minute. Despite playing down a man, Penn State Harrisburg was aggressive late in the second half and got off five consecutive shots but Solley and his defenders made crucial saves down the stretch to preserve the advantage and seal the victory for the Golden Wolves.

NOTABLES

- Penn State Harrisburg managed four shots on goal, with Jacob Tankersley account for two of them.

- Luke Myers and Daniel Fombu got off one shot on frame each. 

- Hossam Aly made three saves in net in his Penn State Harrisburg debut. 

- Evan Solley made three stops in goal to earn the victory for the Golden Wolves.

- With the setback, the Lions fell to 0-2-2 all time against Alvernia. 

- The physical contest saw the teams combine for eight cards on the day. 

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions will look to bounce back when they travel to Cairn for another non-conference tilt on Sunday afternoon.

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