SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team recorded a 4-0 shutout victory over the University of the District of Columbia Wednesday afternoon at James Egli Field.
 
With the win, Slippery Rock improves to 2-2-1 in 2019 while the District of Columbia falls to 1-4-0 with the loss. 
 
The Rock was led on offense by Abdallah Bangura, Ramses Minaya and Nick Sodini. Bangura recorded his second multi-goal performance of 2019 while Minaya and Sodini scored one goal apiece. Bangura added an assist as well, as did Minaya and Luke Picchi. 
 
The Rock opened the contest by recording two shots on goal along with two corner kicks. The scoring started for SRU when Bangura netted his fourth goal of the season at the 11:49 mark to take an early 1-0 lead.
 
The offensive attack for Slippery Rock continued when Minaya scored the second goal of his collegiate career in the 44th minute with Bangura supplying the assist, giving SRU a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
 
The District of Columbia came out firing to open the second half, recording the first three shots of the half along with a corner kick. The Rock defense stood strong, with goalkeeper Matt Hunsberger leading the way, recording three straight saves to maintain SRU's 2-0 lead.
 
The Slippery Rock offense responded to the stout defensive effort as Sodini added his first goal of 2019 on a cross from Picchi at the 62:19 mark to push The Rock lead to 3-0. The Rock finished its offensive attack when Bangura added his second goal of the game in the 80th minute on a pass from Minaya, securing a 4-0 home victory for Slippery Rock.
 
Hunsberger had a stellar performance in goal for The Rock, finishing with eight saves in 90 clean minutes for his second shutout of 2019.
 
Malik Thom led the way on offense for the Firebirds, finishing with three shots along with two on goal. UDC goalkeeper Javier Abadia compiled four saves in the loss.

The Rock held the advantage in shots (13) and shots on goal (8). UDC led in corner kicks with eight. 
 
Slippery Rock returns to action when it travels to Lock Haven 2 p.m. Sept. 25th for a non-conference matchup with the Bald Eagles.
 
GAME NOTES
• With the victory The Rock improve to 2-2-1 through the first five games of 2019, marking the best five game start to a season for SRU since beginning the 2015 season 4-1-0.
 
• The Rock's 11 goals scored through its first two home games are the most it has scored in back-to-back home games since scoring 11 goals in two consecutive home games in 2009.
 
• Slippery Rock last opened the season 2-0-0 at home in 2015 with wins over Malone University and Daemen College.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
GOAL: ROCK 1, UDC 0; 11:49: Abdallah Bangura (Unassisted)
GOAL: ROCK 2, UDC 0; 43:48: Ramses Minaya (Abdallah Bangura)
GOAL: ROCK 3, UDC 0; 62:19: Nick Sodini (Luke Picchi)
GOAL: ROCK 4, UDC 0; 79:35: Abdallah Bangura (Ramses Minaya)


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