Kirby’s First Career Goal Leads PSUGA Over WCCC
The PSUGA Soccer team picked up their first win of the season defeating Westmoreland County CC 3-0. Freshman Kevin Kirby scored his first career goal leading the way for PSUGA #BeGreater
McKeesport, PA. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Soccer team (1-2, 0-0) went into Monday’s game having not scored a goal all season. Their offense hit their stride against Westmoreland County CC scoring their first win of the season 3-0 over the Wolfpack. They got big contributions from some of their newest players as they scored their first win of the 2019 season.
Senior captain Dario Marina (Pittsburgh, PA./Baldwin HS) had led the defense so far in the first two games of the season, but got the offense going taking advantage of a WCCC foul. He stepped up to attempt a penalty kick and nailed it through the bottom right corner of the net and PSUGA found themselves ahead 1-0 early in the game. After playing from behind in every game o far this season, PSUGA got their first chance to play with a lead this season.
PSUGA added to their lead halfway through the second half when freshman Kevin Kirby (Atlanta, GA./Mountain View HS) scored his first career goal to push the PSUGA lead to 2-0. Kirby took the feed from senior Dharma Kharel (Whitehall, PA./Brashear HS) and found a hole through the left side of the net. Kirby has played mostly in the backfield for PSUGA, but got his chance to step up and help his team.
PSUGA would head into halftime with the same 2-0 lead marking the first time this season that they entered halftime with a lead. They continued their strong defensive play that has been a staple for them all season long. They held WCCC off the board for the entirety of the first half and junior goalkeeper Colin Bucsok (Pittsburgh, Pa./Thomas Jefferson HS) did not have to face much pressure in the first half.
PSUGA would add an insurance goal in the second half as sophomore Namy Makiese (Pittsburgh, PA./Allderdice HS) made a nice run through the middle of the field scoring an unassisted goal. It was Makiese’s first goal of the season and the third of his career at PSUGA. Last season, he scored two goals as a midfielder and looks to continue to be an offensive weapon for head coach Dale Odim.
PSUGA would hold on for their first win of the season and their first shut-out as they held on for the 3-0 win. PSUGA continued to lay strong defense in front of their veteran goalkeeper. Buscok picked up his 10th career shutout making eight saves on eight shots on net.
On the offensive side of the ball, Makiese led the way with one goal on eight shots, three on goal while Marina added a goal on seven shots, five on goal. Kirby added the final goal of the day finding the net on his only shot of the day. As a team, PSUGA shot the ball 19 times with 11 of those being on net.
The PSUGA Soccer team returns to action on Wednesday, September 11th, when they go on the road to face Pitt-Johnstown at 4 p.m.