SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team lost to nationally ranked Mercyhurst University, 2-0, in their penultimate regular season contest Saturday at James Egli Field.
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The Rock saw their record fall to 5-7-4 overall, now at 4-5 within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division. The No. 20 Lakers improved to 13-2-1 overall and 6-2-1 in PSAC West competition.
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Aitor Jorde and
Joe Skillicorn led the attack, each taking two shots.
Aashi Pandher recorded the team's lone shot on goal.
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Goalkeeper
Adam Davies tied his career-high in saves, making six stops on 15 shots.
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The Lakers struck early, scoring on Jonathan Chase's first shot of the game just 3:13 into regulation. Mercyhurst was able to create the goalscoring opportunity on a counterattack following a third minute corner kick from SRU.
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Both teams fell shorthanded to 10 men in the 35
th minute when each squad received a red card.
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At halftime Mercyhurst held a 6-3 advantage in shots, despite The Rock holding a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.
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Mercyhurst was able to keep the momentum shifted in its favor for much of the second period, taking five shots in just the first 15 minutes.
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The Lakers also dominated from the flag stands in the second half, taking nine corner kicks.
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Mercyhurst's Julius Becker netted a penalty kick goal in the 84
th minute to double the Lakers' lead to 2-0.
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The Rock was only able to produce just four shots in the second half, with none falling on target.
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Slippery Rock celebrated its Senior Day Saturday, honoring Skillicorn,
Topher Garcia,
Duncan McCoy and
Patrick Phillips, in their final home game of the 2023 season.
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The Rock will play its final game of the regular season Friday, Nov. 3 at Seton Hill University. Slippery Rock defeated the Griffins, 3-1, earlier this season at James Egli Field.
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