MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny men's soccer team wrapped-up their opening week against Buffalo State in their first home contest of the 2026 season Saturday (Sept. 5), falling to the Bengals 2-1 on a late goal.
After back-and-fortth play to start the game, the Bengals got on the scoreboard first in the 31st minute.
Will Gruca (Baden, Pa./Ambridge) and
Miguel Narbona (Cádiz, Spain/Broughton (N.C.)) had attempts on goal in the opening frame, but they trailed 1-0 at halftime.
The Gators did not need much time in the second half to find an equalizer. A handball in the box gave the Gators a penalty kick in the 52nd minute. Gruca took the attempt and buried it in the back of the net to tie the game.
The teams went back and forth for the next 30 minutes with the Gators putting several shots on target, but the game remained knotted at one.
The Bengals broke the stalemate in the 85th as they scored on a close range shot to take a late lead.
The Gators put the pressure on late but were unable to find another goal as they fell in their home opener 2-1.
Inside the Box
- Buffalo State scored their goals in the 31st and 85th minutes.
- Gruca converted a penalty kick in the 52nd minute, his first goal of the season. He finished with five shots on goal.
- Narbona and Nathan Tolliver (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) had attempts on goal.
- Cadan Bennett (Gibsonia, Pa./Pine-Richland) finished with four saves.
- The Gators earned three corner kicks.
News and Notes
- Allegheny is now 3-7-0 all-time against Buffalo State.
- Gruca scored his 19th career goal.
- Brian Ankamah (Gahanna, Ohio/Columbus Academy) made his collegiate debut.
Up Next
The Gators are on the road Monday (Sept. 7) at SUNY Geneseo.
