by Casey Burinskas

LATROBE, Pa. – The Penn State Altoona men's soccer team took on non-conference opponent Saint Vincent College on Thursday night, and the Lions took home their first win of the season by defeating the Bearcats 1-0 at UPMC Field.

Bailey Musselman (Altoona, PA/Altoona) scored the first goal of the season for Penn State Altoona (1-3) and had both of the Lions' shots on goal to lead his team to victory.

Sasha Mohoruk (State College, PA/State College) made his fourth start of the season at goalkeeper for Penn State Altoona and picked up his first win and shutout of the fall. Mohoruk made 16 saves to tie the Lions' men's soccer program's single-game saves record.

Ethan McDowell (Johnstown, PA/Johnstown Christian School), Colin Murphy (State College, PA/State College), and Matias Harte (Knoxville, TN/State College) all attempted one shot for the Lions.

The first half remained quiet on the scoreboard, with no goals from either side. Altoona held off St. Vincent (1-2-2), as the Bearcats had nine shots on goal in the first half but were unable to find the back of the net, thanks to Mohoruk's saves and the Lions' defensive effort. The first half ended scoreless, as both teams were eager to put in the game's first goal.

Starting the second half, both teams continued their defensive effort and held each other back.

But at 65:26, Altoona was finally able to place the ball in the back of the net, when Musselman scored his first goal of the season with an assist from Frank Kasperowicz (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) to give the Lions a lead of 1-0.

Altoona held off St. Vincent the rest of the half, including Mohoruk making four more saves to help the Lions take their first victory of the season, 1-0.

Next week, the Penn State Altoona men's soccer team will face off against Wilson College on Saturday, September 21 at 6 p.m. The game will be the Lions' home opener.