SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team posted a pair of goals in the first 20 minutes of play to defeat Wheeling Jesuit University in non-conference action Saturday afternoon.
 
Slippery Rock's win snapped its two-game losing streak and improved its record to 5-3 overall. The Cardinals dropped to 4-3-1 after the loss.

Pacing The Rock Saturday with goals was the duo of senior defender Ryan Lutke and junior defender Kyle Boyer. Lutke's goal was his fifth of the season while Boyer's score was the first of his career. Boyer also tallied a team-high two shots on goal. Senior forward Peter Boylan added an assist for SRU in the win as well.
 
Junior goalkeeper Steven Rerick made six saves and did not allow a goal in 90 minutes in what was his first appearance since The Rock's season-opening win against Malone University Sept. 3.
 
At the 6:30 mark in the first half, Slippery Rock was awarded a penalty kick which Lutke easily converted to give SRU the early 1-0 advantage. All five of Lutke's goals this season have come off of penalty kicks. The goal also turned out to be his team-leading third game-winner of the season.
 
Slippery Rock added its second goal of the day just under 11 minutes later when Boyer scored on a cross from Boylan at 17:27. The assist was Boylan's team-best second of the season.
 
After the two early goals, Rerick made four saves to help send Slippery Rock into halftime leading 2-0. Slippery Rock's outstanding defense carried over into the second half as The Rock allowed just two shots on goal in the final 45 minutes en route to the two-goal victory.
 
The shutout was the second by Slippery Rock this season. For the game, WJU held a 13-9 edge in total shots. Both teams were awarded six corners.
 
Slippery Rock continues non-conference play when it hosts No. 21 Notre Dame College 8 p.m. Sept. 30 under the lights at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.