Slippery Rock University men’s soccer suits up for PSAC play this weekend after defeating Wheeling Jesuit University 2-1 on Sunday.
The win improves the Rock’s season record to 4-1-3.
Junior goalkeeper Joe Agerskow made his first collegiate start against Wheeling Jesuit and looks forward to improving throughout the season.
“We came under a bit of pressure toward the end of the game,” Agerskow said. “Getting the win was quite a relief, but it was a win I feel we deserved.”
Agerskow made five saves and allowed one goal against the Cardinals.
The Green and White took the field on Sunday looking to redeem themselves after the loss to Mercyhurst last Thursday.
Freshman forward Peter Boylan feels the team did not play to their full potential on Thursday.
“The loss to Mercyhurst was definitely an eye opener for us as a team,” Boylan said. “We came out flat. For us to be successful this year, we need to play solid for the full 90 minutes.”
Sophomore Stephen Donnelly got Slippery Rock on the scoreboard in the 11th minute of the game off of an assist from senior defender Drew Donoghue. Donnelly now has four goals for the Rock so far this season.
Just 16 seconds later, Boylan took an assist from sophomore midfielder Brandon Chiu to record his first collegiate goal and the winning goal for Slippery Rock.
Boylan was thrilled to get the chance to start in his first collegiate game and said he was glad to be able to help the team record a win.
“I was not only happy for myself, but happy that I could contribute to the team and help win an important game for us,” Boylan said.
Wheeling Jesuit answered back in the 33rd minute of the game with a goal from Ignacio Fernandez.
Neither team was able to produce a goal during the second half, making the final score 2-1 Slippery Rock.
SRU finished the match with a 21-13 advantage in total shots, 9-6 in shots on goal, and 7-4 in corner kicks.
The Green and White is preparing to head into a string of conference play that begins this weekend at home.
Boylan understands the importance of these games and feels the team has what it takes to be competitive in the PSAC.
“We have what it takes to be a dominating force in our conference,” Boylan said. “We know what we need to do and we will not back down until we achieve that goal. We trained really hard during preseason, so we won’t let an opportunity like this slip from our grasps.”
The Rock faces California University of Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University at home this weekend.
Agerskow feels the team is continuing to improve and will perform well this weekend.
“The team is working hard towards a busy weekend,” Agerskow said. “The focus is well and truly on us getting the right results this weekend and becoming real contenders for the PSAC.”
Slippery Rock will play California today at 12:30 p.m. at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium and Shippensburg tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. They will also play Bloomsburg University next Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
