New Kensington, PA. - The Penn State Greater Allegheny Soccer team (1-7-1, 0-5-1) fought throughout the game on Wednesday, but ended up falling to Penn State New Kensington (7-4, 6-1) 5-0. It was a big day for junior Colin Bucsok (Pittsburgh, PA./Thomas Jefferson HS) in net but it wasn't enough to get PSUGA into the win column in conference play.
Bucsok faced 25 shots on net and made 20 saves to set a new PSUGA single-game save record. The previous record was 19 by former Lion Michael Anderson in 2013. However, Bucsok's heroic effort fell short as PSUGA couldn't muster amy offense as they took the shut out loss.
PSUGA held PSU-New Kensington to a 0-0 tie through the first 23 minutes of the game before New Kensington broke through on the score board. Mitchell Kuczynski netted the first goal of the afternoon in the 23rd minute and gave New Kensington a 1-0 lead. Benjamin Midlik added another goal just one minute later as New Kensington took a 2-0 lead.
They would add three more goals in the second half and handed PSUGA their fifth conference loss of the season 5-0. Despite the loss PSUGA's offense continued to get better and provided more opportunities.
Mohammed Sawhel (Pittsburgh, PA.) and Kevin Kirby (Atlanta, GA./Mountain View HS) led the way with two shots a piece on the day. PSUGA got off six shots total as they made plays in the offensive zone.
PSUGA will return to action on Saturday when they take on PSU-York at 4 p.m.