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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The 23rd ranked Slippery Rock University men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to West Chester Saturday in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

The Golden Rams scored two first half goals, including a controversial opening goal, and Slippery Rock mounted a rally, but came up just short.

The loss drops The Rock to 11-3-1 overall and 6-3 in PSAC games this fall. West Chester improves to 11-3-2 overall and finishes league play at 9-1-1. The Golden Rams currently own the top spot in the league standings, but Mercyhurst can jump to the top spot with a win or a tie in the Lakers' final game.

West Chester opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Conor Malarney appeared to elbow a Slippery Rock defender in the face near the corner. The Rock defender went down on the play, allowing Malarney to walk in uncontested and find an open Miguel Ross for an easy score.

The Golden Rams added to the lead in the 29th minute when Ross scored again, this time taking advantage of a miscommunication along the back wall for Slippery Rock, allowing him an open look at an empty net after taking a long pass from Alex Caplan.

The Rock battled back into the game when Declan Brennan tallied his fourth goal of the year in the 43rd minute, flicking in a header off a throw-in from Joshua Gray to make it 2-1. The assist was the 10th of the season for Gray, who ranks fourth in Division II in that category.

Both teams had chances the rest of the way, including a hit post from West Chester, but the keepers were up to the task.

Slippery Rock keeper Chris Zier was outstanding again, recording 10 saves, including an all-out diving stop in the second half on a free kick from the 18-yard line.

West Chester keeper Ryan Schultz made two saves in the win.

The Golden Rams were called for 19 fouls in the game, but were carded just once. Slippery Rock was called for 15 fouls and received four yellow cards.

West Chester finished with advantages of 18-12 in total shots and 12-3 in shots on goal. Both teams were awarded six corner kicks.

Slippery Rock will play one final home game Oct. 30 when Millersville visits for the NSCAATV National Game of the Week at 1 p.m.

Saturday served as the annual Senior Day game, with Slippery Rock's six seniors being honored in a pregame ceremony. Those seniors include Gray, Joshua Puskar, Zach Hall, Thad Madzelonka, Michael Ramirez and Joe Agerskow.