GRANTHAM, Pa. - After suffering a setback on Wednesday, Penn State Harrisburg's men's soccer team bounced back in a massive way on Saturday night by securing a 1-0 shutout victory over a Messiah squad receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches (USC) Top 25 Poll.

Alex Afata accounted for the game's lone marker early in the second half, while Shayon Kashi made four saves for regionally-ranked Penn State Harrisburg (5-3-1) to earn his first victory of the season in net. 

In the 55th minute, Aidan McWilliams inserted a ball near the end line with a throw in that essentially served as a corner kick. Longdon corralled the ball and launched an attempt into a mass of bodies near the net that was knocked back from goal. Afata was in the right place at the right time and blasted his attempt past Messiah goalkeeper Adam Carter to put the visitors out in front with 34:23 left to play. 

Following Afata's game-winning goal, Penn State Harrisburg limited the Falcons (4-3) to just two cracks at an equalizer in the final 34 minutes, neither attempt of which proved on frame. 

The Lions were aggressive from the outset, getting off the first two shots on goal of the night. Prior to Afata's marker, the team's best scoring chance came in the 37th minute when Brandon Axton gathered a through ball, used his speed to outrace a Messiah defender, and fired his attempt off the cross bar. 

NOTABLES

- With the win, Penn State Harrisburg improved to 2-2 all-time against Messiah.

- Afata's goal was his third of the season and the seventh of his career.

- The Lions are the first team to shut out Messiah this season.

- Saturday's win was Penn State Harrisburg's fourth shutout of the fall.

- Kashi made four saves in earning his first win of the year in goal. 

- The Lions outshot the Falcons 13-9 overall and 5-4 in shots on frame.

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions travel to Lycoming for another non-conference tilt on Wednesday night.

STAY CONNECTED 

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.