SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team shut out California University of Pennsylvania, 1-0, Sunday afternoon in PSAC play at James Egli Field. Alexander Vilchek registered the game winner off an assist from Hector Buchter.
 
Slippery Rock needed just the goal in the first half to defeat California and solid play by its defense in the second half to hold off the Vulcans' attack.
 
Vilchek was active in the first period with shots that were saved by CAL goalkeeper Lucas Exner in the 15th and 18th minutes,
 
It wasn't until the 32nd minute that Vilchek received a beautiful pass over the defense into the box from Buchter that he headed into the net for the score.
 
In the second period, California looked to equalize the game with shots on goal in the 58th and 61st minutes, but Rock goalkeeper Matt Hunsberger was there to clean up both shots with saves.
 
The Rock offense closed out the game with a couple of shots in the final two minutes of play, but both were off target and eventually SRU held on to its lead and the win, 1-0.
 
Hunsberger made three saves in the contest and earned his fifth win as well as his fifth shutout this season.
 
With the victory, SRU improves to 5-8-2 overall and 3-4-1 in league games while California falls to 1-7-4 and 0-7-1 in conference play.
 
Final: Slippery Rock 1, California 0
Slippery Rock (5-8-2, 3-4-1 PSAC) vs. California (1-7-4, 0-7-1 PSAC)
October 14, 2018
James Egli Field  |  Slippery Rock, Pa.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
GOAL: ROCK 1, CAL 0; 31:47: Buchter played a ball over the defense that Vilchek headed into the net.  
 
GAME NOTES

• Slippery Rock out shot California, 15-6, and led in shots on goal, 5-3.
• Four of SRU's five wins this season have been shutouts.
• Vilchek is now leads the team in total points with eight on three goals and two assists.
• Hunsberger is tied for second in the conference in shutouts with five.
• SRU's win Sunday helps it match its season win total from a year ago. The Rock can eclipse that total with three games remaining on their regular season schedule.

 
UP NEXT
Slippery Rock will host Mercyhurst in a PSAC contest 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at James Egli Field.
 
 
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