Soccer Takes on Valley Forge in Weekend Opener

McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Soccer Team (3-2, 2-1) opens the weekend with the first of two games when they take on the University of Valley Forge (5-8, 0-0) on Saturday at 2 p.m. After losing their last time out, the soccer team is looking to get back on track in non-conference action before going back to conference play on Sunday.

PSUGA fell to PSU-Brandywine last time out 7-0 taking their first regular season loss to a Penn State University Athletic Conference opponent since October 10^th of 2017. PSUGA couldn’t get much going offensively with only six shots as a team, two on goal, in the effort. Senior Raghu Chimoriya (Pittsburgh, PA./Ellis Prep Academy) led the offense with three of his team’s six shots putting two of those on goal.

Despite the setback, PSUGA’s offense has been performing well in the regular season. Through the team’s first five games of the season, the offense is averaging 4.2 goals a game. Senior Belmo Nurkic (Pittsburgh, Pa./Baldwin HS) leads the group with five goals on 18 shots while Jagesh Subba (Pittsburgh, PA./Baldwin HS) has stepped up so far with his best season to date with a team leading 20 shots and two goals.

Goalkeeper Colin Bucsok (Pittsburgh, PA./Thomas Jefferson HS) has picked up right where he left off in net with 34 saves on 45 shots on goal so far this year. Bucsok was recognized for his efforts last week, leading his team to a 2-1 record and making 20 saves, by being recognized by both the PSUAC and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association as the Goalkeeper of the week. He needs just one more win to break the all-time wins record as a goalie for PSUGA Soccer and could do it on Saturday.

Valley Forge is also looking for a rebound effort after falling in a tight game against the College of New Rochelle 4-3 on Monday. Velkin Escobar led the Patriots in that game with two goals while Jesus Jimenez added a goal of his own. Valley Forge scored the final two goals of the game in the 75^th and 87^th minutes, but the comeback fell just short and gave the Patriots their eighth loss of the season.

Saturday will mark the first ever meeting between these two teams as both look to get back in the win column. For PSUGA, it is a chance to help them get ready for PSU-Hazleton on Sunday as they battle for positioning in the PSUAC. Coming into the weekend, PSUGA currently sits in fifth place in the PSUAC.

Kickoff for Saturday’s game against Valley Forge is scheduled for 2 p.m.