The Waynesburg University men’s soccer team opened its 2026 campaign with a 1-0 loss last night against Penn State Behrend. 

“Top to bottom, we had more overall play, but they [Penn State Behrend] were better in the individual moments,” head coach Treg Lunger said. 

The Waynesburg attack only mustered one shot in the first half and was unable to really stretch goalkeeper Connor Cross out of his box. Opposite to Waynesburg, Penn State Behrend came out firing with nine shots, including one off the post and a few close benders outside the box from Evan Thomas, but were unable to have the finishing touch to take the lead.

The lone goal was scored by midfielder Andy Jones in the second half. Hesitation from both the back line and goalkeeper Zach Reed allowed Jones to move in behind and chip it over a diving Reed. The ensuing collision wasn’t enough to deter the ball’s path into the back of the net, going bar down to give the Lions the winning score. However, it was put into question whether Jones was offside on his run behind the centerbacks. 

“I still think it was offside, I want to see it on the film,” Reed said. 

After the goal, Waynesburg had 10 of their total 12 shots on the night. 

“Once we got what we needed in terms of midfield play, we were able to let players go forward a little bit more,” Lunger said.  

Waynesburg’s closest attempt of the night came from John Engel, who drew a foul a few yards outside the 18 yard box in the 82nd minute. Engel’s ensuing free kick was placed close to the crossbar, but was batted away by Cross for a corner.

The game ended on a last ditch effort from the Yellow Jackets, getting three corner kicks within the last 8 minutes of play, but they couldn’t seal the deal with time winding down and took a loss to start the season.

In just Reed’s fifth start of his career, he played valiantly against a tough Penn State Behrend side that is projected to finish at the top of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). He ended with six saves, his highest mark since his 10 saves against Allegheny in 2024, and gave up a lone goal to a team who averaged over two goals per game last season. 

“We lean on our experienced guys, and [Reed] has taken everything in stride,” Lunger said. 

Tonight’s road match is against Penn State Altoona, whom Waynesburg took down 7-1 last year at home. 

“When we come back, we’re going to be 1-1,” Reed said.  

Lunger’s response was more subdued. 

“We are process driven, we are going to go out and perform to the best we can.” 

Tonight’s game begins at 6 p.m. and is the season opener for Penn State Altoona.