SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team overcame an early one-goal deficit on the way to a 3-1 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division victory over California University (Pa.) Wednesday at James Egli Field.
 
The victory represented Slippery Rock's second consecutive win, improving its record to 4-2-2 overall and 1-0-0 in PSAC West competition. The Vulcans drop to 1-5-1 on the season overall and 1-1-0 in league games with the loss.
 
Arturo Pla Hernandis led SRU's attack Wednesday with one goal and an assist for what were the first collegiate points of his career. Mo Kanani and Alex Plimmer added goals as well with Kanani's representing his second game-winning strike of the year and team-best third goal overall.
 
As they have done so many times this season, Anthony Gagliardi II and Brian McCarthy both assisted on goals in the win. The duo has now combined to assist on six of The Rock's 13 goals in 2021.
 
After surrendering an early score, Rock goalkeeper Hossam Aly regrouped to keep the Vulcans in check the remainder of the game while making three saves en route to the win.
 
As a team, SRU held advantages over Cal U in total shots (15-9), shots on goal (8-4) and corners (8-4).
 
The Vulcans struck first to open the contest when Cullin Woytovich found Evan Blunkosky for the opening the goal in the 14th minute. However, the lead was short-lived as The Rock proceeded to post two goals over the next 14 minutes to take a lead they would never surrender.
 
Pla Hernandis started the rally when he finished off a cross by Gagliardi II past California goalie Trever Zabilowicz in the 17th minute. Just over 11 minutes later, McCarthy placed a perfect corner pass into Kanani, who promptly headed in the go-ahead goal to give SRU a 2-1 edge.
 
With a lead firmly in hand, Slippery Rock's defense went on to clear two corners and Aly stopped the only Vulcan attempt on target over the next 51 minutes before Plimmer added an additional insurance goal courtesy of Pla Hernandis' assist in the 80th minute on the way to the eventual two-goal victory.
 
Zabilowicz made five saves over 90 minutes for the Vulcans.
 
Slippery Rock returns to competition when it hosts Gannon University 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at James Egli Field. A victory would give SRU its first 3-0 conference record since 2009.
 
 
 
To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official athletic communication accounts on Twitter (@Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).