SHEPERDSTOWN, W. Va. — The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team led early in the first half, but came away from its road trip to Shepherd University with a 1-1 tie.
 
Slippery Rock's overall record moves to 2-3-4 while the Rams improve to 2-5-2.
 
Arturo Pla Hernandis gave The Rock their lone goal in the match, his sixth on the year. The goal was assisted by Luke Gildea, recording his second assist in as many games. Against Pitt-Johnstown Sept. 30, Slippery Rock's first goal was also courtesy of Pla Hernandis on an assist from Gildea.
 
The Rock was led in shots by Pla Hernandis and Joe Skillicorn, who each had three. Despite checking in for just 22 minutes, Shaun Spencer joined Pla Hernandis in contributing two shots on goal.
 
Goalkeeper Adam Davies saw 14 shots, the most of his career, making a personal-best six stops. 
 
Slippery Rock got on the board just 9:05 into the action, as Pla Hernandis converted on The Rock's first shot of the match. Pla Hernandis poked the ball by the far post on a rapid one-touch settle from Gildea to give Slippery Rock a 1-0 lead.
 
Slippery Rock nearly doubled the lead in the 25^th minute, but the goal was called off with a foul that had occurred prior to the shot.
 
That lead looked to be under threat in the 37^th minute, when Shepperd was awarded a penalty kick. The Rams' Donik Elshani chose the bottom right corner of the net, where a diving Davies made the save. The moment marked Slippery Rock's first saved penalty kick since 2021.
 
Slippery Rock held the lead into the halftime break with shots tied, 7-7.
 
SRU's next best opportunity would come in the 74^th minute on a corner kick leading to a shot from Spencer. Shepherd keeper Christian Blazes quickly punted the ball back into play, leading to a Rams counterattack that Sterling Harris was able to score on, leveling the match at 1-1.
 
The Rock registered four more shots and two more corners following the Rams' equalizer but ended up having to settle for their fourth draw of the year, the third with a 1-1 result. 
 
Despite getting outshot in total, 15-12, The Rock held an advantage in shots on goal (8-7) and corner kicks (7-6).
 
The Rock will stay on the road this weekend, resuming play 6:30 p.m. Saturday at No. 20 Mercyhurst University. The Rock were swept by the Lakers in a pair of shutout losses a season ago.



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