After clinching a playoff berth last Saturday afternoon at Edinboro University, the Slippery Rock University women’s soccer team fell to Gannon University 2-1 on Wednesday evening in another Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference match-up.
Slippery Rock falls to 9-5-2 overall and 6-5-2 in PSAC play. No. 24 Gannon advances to 12-3-1 overall and 9-3-1 in PSAC games.
The Rock finished the game with an 11-9 deficit in total shots and a 7-5 deficit in shots on goal, but the Rock appeared dominant at many times, as witnessed by their 7-1 corner kick advantage.
Slippery Rock had multiple chances and maintained solid possession.
“It wasn’t the result we were looking for,” junior goalkeeper Dana O’Neill said. “In the end we have to put our opportunities away. We can’t win without putting some goals in the back of the net.”
Gannon opened up the scoring in the 23rd minute, with a goal by Amanda Gallant, which would last until halftime.
The Golden Knights would tack another point on the scoreboard in the 79th minute, with a goal by Michelle Genetin, which would become the game winner.
Junior midfielder Lauren Impey answered immediately two minutes later, off of senior captain Emer Flatley’s assist.
O’Neill finished the game with four saves in goal.
Last Saturday at Edinboro University, Slippery Rock clinched a playoff berth in the PSAC with a 1-1 double overtime draw.
The Rock appeared to have locked up the win in the 90th minute, when freshmen midfielder Crysta Ganter hammered the ball across the goal line as the horn sounded, but the referees would call it back.
“Yes, the call was controversial,” O’Neill said, “but we need to score more so the game doesn’t come down to one final opportunity.”
Impey tallied the opening goal of the game in the 28th minute off of junior midfielder Stephanie Buckenheimer.
The lead would stand until the 69th minute, when Edinboro’s Liz Debo notched the tying goal, her 12th on the year.
Both teams had chances to claim the lead in overtime, but both goalies rose to the occasion.
O’Neill came up clutch when she stopped a breakaway in the 106th minute. She finished the game with seven saves in goal for the Rock.
Edinboro had advantages of 16-7 in total shots, 8-4 in shots on goal, and 3-2 in corner kicks.
Slippery Rock will close the regular season tomorrow with a 2:30 p.m. match at Lock Haven University.
With the loss on Wednesday, the Green and White will face an opening round road game in the PSAC playoffs next Wednesday.
The Rock are likely candidates for the No. 7, seed which would see them traveling to No. 2 California University of Pa.
The final seedings will be set after Saturday’s matches.
