SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University men's soccer team draws California (Pa.), 1-1, in an important Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division clash Saturday at James Egli Field.
With the result, Slippery Rock moved to 3-5-6 overall and 1-3-3 in the division, while California's overall record is now 3-7-4 as well as 2-4-1 in the PSAC West.
After the draw, Slippery Rock (6) stays one point behind Cal (7) for the all-important fourth spot in the PSAC West, as four teams from both divisions in the conference make the PSAC Tournament.
Boele Zwartele scored his fourth goal of the season for The Rock, while
Aashi Pandher picked up his team-leading sixth assists for SRU.
Zwartele, Pandher,
Gabin Lonjard,
Kaden Reynolds,
Tom Roantree and
Zsombor Retfalvi all took a game-high three shots for The Rock, while Zwartele landed a game-high two shots on goal.
Troy Nine made one save in the draw for Slippery Rock. Nine is up to 45 saves on the season.
Slippery Rock opened the scoring early as it took a 1-0 lead in the third minute. SRU controlled the ball down the left wing before it got the ball to Pandher, who sent in a cross to the middle of the box onto the left of Zwartele and into the back of the net.
The Rock took 13 more shots in the first half, but were unable to find their way by California goalkeeper Justin Brink, as they took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Slippery Rock held its 1-0 lead until the 68
th minute, where California found an equalizer off the foot of Filip Barta with assists from Ryan Moessner and Jamie Marcelo Espinosa.
Just 20 seconds after California's goal, it received a straight red card and was forced to play the final 22 minutes with 10 players.
Slippery Rock took five shots when up one player, but could not score, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.
SRU ended the game with advantages in shots (23-5), shots on goal (6-2), while the two teams each took three corner kicks.
The Rock will be back in action for its final road contest for the regular season against Gannon University 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at McConnell Family Stadium. Earlier this season, Slippery Rock fell to No. 24 Gannon, 2-1, Oct. 7 at James Egli Field.Â
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