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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The 23rd ranked Slippery Rock University men's soccer team battled to a 1-0 win over East Stroudsburg University Friday in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action from Mihalilk-Thompson Stadium.

A pesky defensive effort from the Warriors held The Rock off the board until the 86th minute when Dom Francis drilled a perfect free kick goal around the wall and skimmed it off the crossbar for the game's only goal.

Slippery Rock bounced back from its first loss in eight games in its previous outing to improve to 11-2-1 overall and 6-2 in the PSAC. East Stroudsburg slipped to 2-10-2 overall and 1-7 in league games.

The win increases Slippery Rock's chance of clinching a PSAC playoff berth and helps in The Rock's quest to earn one of the top two spots, and with it a bye in the opening round.

Slippery Rock sits third in the standings with 18 points, seven points behind West Chester for second. The Golden Rams visit Mihalik-Thompson Stadium Saturday for what is their final PSAC game, while Slippery Rock will play two league games after that.

Mercyhurst is a virtual lock for the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for the PSAC Final Four, but wins in its final three games would move Slippery Rock into the second position entering the playoffs.

Friday's game was controlled throughout by Slippery Rock, which finished with advantages of 16-6 in total shots and 10-4 in shots on goal. Both teams were awarded six corner kicks.

Chris Zier earned his fifth shutout of the year in goal for Slippery Rock to improve to 8-2 after recording four saves.

Callum Hampson was great in goal for East Stroudsburg, but could do nothing to get to the perfectly placed free kick from Francis in the 86th minute.

The free kick that decided the game was set up by Stephen Donnelly, who beat his defender before being fouled hard just outside the 18-yard box.

Slippery Rock will have little time to rest as regionally ranked West Chester visits Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. game that has massive implications on the league playoff picture for both teams, as well as the potential hopes of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.

Entering the weekend, Slippery Rock owned the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Region, while West Chester ranked No. 6. Only the top four teams in the region will qualify for the NCAA Tournament when the final rankings are announced Nov. 10.

Saturday will also serve as Senior Day, with The Rock's six seniors being honored in a pregame ceremony.