SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team defeated Salem University Tuesday afternoon, 2-0, behind goals from
George Oakley and
Justin Minda.
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Slippery Rock fired 20 shots in the contest and finally got a couple to fall en route to the win.
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After a big foul in the box in the 38th minute, Oakley was set up for a penalty kick and he fired it past the right side of the goalkeeper for the score.
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In the second half,
Alexander Vilchek fed Minda a beautiful pass in the center of the box that Minda finished to make it 2-0 Slippery Rock.
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SRU controlled possession for most of the game and its defense was able to stave off the Tigers' attack and hold on for the win.
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Goalkeeper
Matt Hunsberger made three big saves to earn the first shutout victory of his career.
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With the win, Slippery Rock improves to 1-2-0 to begin the 2018 season while Salem falls to 0-3-0
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Final: Slippery Rock 2, Salem 0
Salem (0-3-0) at Slippery Rock (1-2-0)
September 4, 2018
James Egli Field | Slippery Rock, Pa.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
GOAL: ROCK 1, SU 0; 38:34: Oakley fired a penalty kick past the goalkeeper for the score.
GOAL: ROCK 2, SU 0; 55:37: Vilchek played a centering pass to Minda who shot it into the left side of the net.
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GAME NOTES
- Slippery Rock out shot Salem 20-8 overall and in shots on goal, 9-3. SRU also led in corner kicks, 4-3.
- SRU's win snaps a two-game losing skid to start the season and a three-game losing streak against Salem.
- Minda, Oakley and Luke Picchi each had two shots on goal while Vilchek, Connor Jobe and Hector Buchter fired one shot on goal apiece.
- SRU's shutout victory is its first one since Oct. 15, 2017 when it blanked California (Pa.), 4-0, on the road.
- Vilchek has been active thus far in his Slippery Rock career. He earned his first assist this season and has started all three games at forward for The Rock.
- Slippery Rock's 20 total shots is the most its taken in a game since Oct. 4, 2014 when it fired 27 total shots at Pitt-Johnstown.
UP NEXT
Slippery Rock will hit the road for its next contest 3 p.m. Saturday at Ashland University.
To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official athletic communication accounts on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics), Instagram (RockAthletics) and Snapchat (@RockAthletics).
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