READING, Pa. – The Albright men's soccer team picked up their first victory of the 2021 season Tuesday evening in a thrilling non-conference matchup against Penn College at Shirk Stadium.
 
With the 1-0 win, the Lions advance to 1-3-1 overall, while the Wildcats fall to 1-3-1.
 
Penn College controlled most of the first half with a 12-6 shot margin over Albright. Sophomore John Villano applied pressure on the Wildcat's goalkeeper in the 30^th minute, firing off back-to-back shots and scoring off a feed from senior Yaniv Gonyoe. Sophomore goalkeeper Hunter Stump had a big save to keep Penn College off the board as Albright held a 1-0 lead heading into the second half.
 
The second half was a battle of defenses as there were only four shots in total. Senior Billy Hanratty fired one off from outside the box in the 48^th minute to which Penn College goalkeeper Braeden Eckard put a halt to. Stump had two crucial saves in the 79^th and 81^st minutes to keep the Wildcats scoreless. Penn College had an opportunity to tie the game in the final five second, but the Lions defense got the job done and forced an offsides call to claim the 1-0 victory over the Wildcats.
 
Penn College held a sizable 15-7 shot advantage over Albright and an 8-2 shots on goal advantage. Stump records his second shutout of the season and matched a career-high eight saves in 90 minutes of action to earn the win for the Lions. Eckard receives the loss for the Wildcats with one save in 90 minutes of action on the evening.
 
The Lions return to the pitch Thursday at 7 p.m. as they take on Penn State Brandywine at Shirk Stadium.