ERIE, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team saw its three-game winning streak halted by No. 12 Gannon University in a 3-1 loss on the road Wednesday night.
 
The Rock fall to 5-4-3 on the year, an overall record that includes a 2-2-2 mark in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division. The nationally ranked Golden Knights recorded their sixth consecutive victory, moving to 10-2-2 overall while staying undefeated in conference play at 4-0-2.
 
Arturo Pla Hernandis netted an equalizing goal in the 31^st minute on an assist from Aitor Jorde, while both Jorde and Pla Hernandis led SRU with three shots each. All three of Pla Hernandis' shots landed on target.
 
Slippery Rock's shot-taking was rounded out by Rasmus Fugl, Aashi Pandher and Ignacio Rullan with one apiece. Adam Davies made five saves, facing 19 shots from Gannon's offense.
 
SRU was able to win statistical advantages in the first half, allowing only a penalty kick goal in the 26^th minute while outshooting the Golden Knights, 7-5. Pla Hernandis' third goal in the last four matches sent The Rock into halftime with a 1-1 tie with momentum on their side.
 
Gannon gradually ramped up its attack in the second half, starting with a shot from Rafa Hyde 22 seconds into play that hit the goalpost.
 
GU goalkeeper Andre Moraes made a pair of saves against looks by Pla Hernandis and Pandher in the opening 16 minutes, the only two SRU shots he saw for the remainder of the game.  
 
The Golden Knights were finally able to notch their go-ahead goal after a relentless peppering of nine shots, taking a 2-1 lead on a strike by Alander Soares in the 76^th minute.
 
Gannon continued its strong midfield presence, not allowing Slippery Rock any opportunities to tie the game for a second time. Sverre Orten sealed the deal for the Golden Knights by adding an insurance goal with just seven seconds left in the match, increasing the final score to 3-1.
 
Thanks in large part to a 14-2 second-half difference in shots, Gannon outshot The Rock 19-9 while picking up leads in shots on goal (8-4) and corner kicks (10-2). Soares was GU's top shot-taker with four of his five attempts being placed on net, while Moraes made three stops in net.
 
Slippery Rock will return home for a 3 p.m. kickoff Saturday against Pitt-Johnstown. The Rock will celebrate Senior Day prior to the game.





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