Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst College men's soccer team yielded two second-half goals to Slippery Rock, falling 2-0 in their conference home opener Tuesday. The Rock's initial goal came on a penalty kick, and the second marker resulted from a header.
Slippery Rock raises its record to 3-2-1, including a 1-1-0 conference mark, and Mercyhurst is now 3-1-1, 0-1-1 in PSAC West play.
The Lakers played a solid first half, leading the Rock 11-5 in shots. Shots on goal were even at four apiece in the opening half. Neither team was able to find the back of the net, resulting in a scoreless first 45 minutes.
After the intermission, Slippery Rock was able to capitalize on two scoring chances that would ultimately decide the contest. Kenneth Fultz was tripped up in the box and awarded a penalty shot, which he then converted into a goal at 69:55, giving the Rock a 1-0 edge.
Less than seven minutes later, Patrick Cormac sent a cross in from above the 18-yard box, finding Jeremy Deighton, who headed the ball past Mercyhurst keeper Danny Mudd for a 2-0 Rock lead, which proved to be the final score.
Slippery Rock goalkeeper Greg Blum recorded his second shutout of the season, registering five saves.
Mercyhurst outshot Slippery Rock 15-8 for the match, but only five Laker shots were on frame, to the Rock's six. Both teams had four corner kicks.
The Lakers take the pitch Sunday, hosting No. 20 Millersville at 1:00 p.m.
