STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Allegheny men's soccer team picked up a key Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) win as Aidan Dyga (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) scored twice in a 2-1 victory at Franciscan.
 
The teams went back-and-forth for the opening 42 minutes of the contest. The Barons broke up the scoreless game in the 43rd minute off a free kick as they led 1-0 at the half. The Gators led the opening half in shots, 7-4, and corners, 2-1.
 
The score stayed that way until the 72nd minute. Will Gruca (Baden, Pa./Ambridge) took the ball down the near sideline and sent a service in front of the net. Dyga got to the ball and quickly headed it inside the far post for the equalizer. 
 
The Gators needed just a few more minutes to take the lead. After a takeaway, Renen Frank (Bethesda, Md./Walt Whitman) passed the ball along to Gruca at midfield. Gruca took a run and chipped the ball into the box. Dyga got past the defenders and put a quick touch on the ball as his shot got past a sprawling goalkeeper to give Allegheny the lead.
 
The Barons had a chance to tie the match with less than 10 minutes left, but their penalty kick attempt went over the crossbar.
 
The Allegheny defense held tough the rest of the way as they defeated Franciscan for the key conference win.
 
Inside the Box

• The Barons scored the game's first goal in the 43rd minute.
• Dyga scored goals in the 72nd and 75th minute, both assisted by Gruca.
• Charlie Hutton (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville East) earned the win in goal, making a pair of saves.
• Dyga's goals were his third and fourth of the season.
• Gruca tallied assists eight and nine of the season. He is now tied for fourth most in a season for a Gator.

News and Notes

• Allegheny is now 1-3-1 all-time against Franciscan.
• Dyga scored his sixth and seventh career goals.
• Gruca had his 15th and 16th career assists. 

Up Next
The Gators remain on the road Thursday (Oct. 25) when they make the short trip to Thiel.