The Slippery Rock University men’s soccer team beat Cedarville University on Wednesday 3-1 in a hard fought game. Coming off of a 3-2 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opening loss in Saturday’s contest against Seton Hill University, this was a huge win for the Rock.
The Green and White got off to an early start in the ninth minute of the game on Wednesday when senior Zach Hall assisted to junior Brandon Chiu to put the team up 1-0.
Cedarville responded with a goal of their own at the end of the first half, sending the teams into the half tied up.
Chiu scored his second goal of the game and the eventual game winner in the 85th minute.
The final goal of the game came from junior Dom Francis, who took a pass at midfield from sophomore Ryan Lutke, and made a 45-yard shot into an empty net during Cedarville’s last effort attack during the final seconds of the game.
Junior goalkeeper Chris Zier made ten saves in his first career start for Slippery Rock.
Head coach Michael Bonelli was very proud of his team for the big win, saying teamwork and effort were the keys to the victory.
“Not only did teamwork lead to the win for us (Wednesday), but it will be the key to winning games the rest of the season,” Bonelli said.
SRU finished with a 18-16 advantage in total shots, while Cedarville had an 11-7 advantage in shots on goal.
Last Saturday, in heavy rain and wind, SRU fell to Seton Hill.
The Griffins got out to an early 1-0 lead, but the Rock responded with two back-to-back goals in the 38th and 39th minutes to take a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Seton Hill scored again in the 53rd minute and scored the game-winning goal off of a penalty kick in the 64th minute.
Junior Josh Brake was very excited about the victory on Wednesday and is looking forward to the rest of the season.
“I think the key to the win was just continuing to battle and work hard throughout the entire game,” Brake said. “We just need to keep our heads and remain humble, and know that at any time we can be beaten. We have to come out strong, no matter who we play.”
The Rock plays at No. 22 Charleston on Sunday at 3 p.m. to wrap up their non-conference schedule.
After Sunday, the Green and White will play ten consecutive PSAC games.
