SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team used a trio of headers to pick up a key Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division victory over Seton Hill University, 3-1, Saturday at James Egli Field.
 
The win snaps Slippery Rock's three-game winless streak and improves The Rock's record to 3-5-4 overall and 2-3 in the PSAC West. The Griffins fall to 3-9 overall, also 2-3 in PSAC West play.
 
Slippery Rock was led by sophomore Aitor Jorde, who contributed two goals, placing four of his nine total shots on net. Jorde's stellar performance earned him career-highs in goals, shots and shots on goal. 
 
The Rock's third goal came courtesy of defender Will Harrigan, netting the first goal of his career.
 
Shaun Spencer contributed two assists, the first multi-assist performance of his career. Luke Gildea and Joe Skillicorn also registered one assist each.
 
Adam Davies made one save in net for The Rock on four shots faced.
 
The Griffins wasted no time kickstarting the game, scoring just 1:21 into the match on a goal from Julian Marker.
 
The Rock answered just 24 seconds later, though, on a contested header from Jorde via a cross from Gildea.
 
In the 18^th minute, Seton Hill fell shorthanded after a red card, but neither The Rock nor the Griffins would take a shot in the remaining 27 minutes before halftime.
 
Slippery Rock's offense controlled the field in the second half, but could not score until the 78^th minute when Spencer lofted in a high-arching cross to the far post where Jorde again headed it in past the keeper, granting SRU a 2-1 lead.
 
SRU were awarded its seventh and final corner kick of the match in the 81^st minute, but instead of playing the ball into the box, Skillicorn opted to send it backwards toward Spencer. Spencer then hit the repeat button, lofting a ball over the crowded penalty box where Harrigan waited by the far post, heading the ball in to put Slippery Rock up, 3-1.
 
Seton Hill's only shot of the second half would come in the 88^th minute, but it was blocked by the Slippery Rock defense before it could get to Davies.
 
The victory ends Seton Hill's four-game winning streak over Slippery Rock, giving SRU its first win over the Griffins since 2019.
 
The 3-1 win is also Slippery Rock's second comeback win on the year, rallying to a 3-2 win over Pitt-Johnstown Sept. 30 after UPJ led, 1-0.
 
The Rock will cap off their three-game homestand 1 p.m. Wednesday against California (Pa.). Slippery Rock fell to the Vulcans earlier this season on the road, 2-1.
 
 

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