SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Mercyhurst College men's soccer team took on a PSAC foe in Slippery Rock University. The game had PSAC conference playoff implications on it, to add to the already intense rivalry between two teams that faced off twice in the playoffs last season. There were five total goals in what was a busy second half. The Lakers tied the game up at 3-3, after being down by two goals but a late Slippery Rock goal dropped the Lakers in what was their second consecutive loss, the only losses the Lakers have suffered thus far.

In the first half of the game the Lakers edged the Rock out in shots, shooting the ball eight times compared to six. The Rock was more accurate putting six shots on the goal. The Lakers also held the advantage when it came down to corner kicks, 4-1. Mercyhurst suffered a setback early in the game when sophomore Diego Gustin left the game with an injury at the 7:14 mark. 

Senior Ryan Wagner came into the game for the injured Gustin and saved four shots, but could not handle the lone goal for the Rock in the first half. Wagner had saved a shot during a Slippery Rock attack but the rebound was hammered in the net by Slippery Rock's Michael Ramirez, this was Ramirez's first goal of the season. The Lakers didn't let the Rock enjoy the lead for too long, graduate student Christoph Hampel netted his 11^th goal of the season off of a penalty kick.

There was no shortage of action in the second half of today's game. Mercyhurst ripped 10 shots while Slippery Rock shot only eight times. 'Hurst also held a convincing lead in corner kicks, 7-4. Ramirez decided to unknot the game during the 56:05 mark when he headed in a ball that came off a corner kick, this was Ramirez's second netter of the game. The Rock applied even more pressure to the No.7 Lakers when Steve Hamilton rifled a unassisted ball past the Mercyhurst goal keeper, Wagner.

The Lakers did not lie down though and started a comeback just three minutes after Slippery Rock scored its third goal. Sophomore Joe Callahan netted his second of the year when he shot a ball that was not recognized by the Slippery Rock goal keeper until the ball hit the back of the net. With the goal the Lakers trailed by just one goal. Junior Alex Manea was credited with his sixth assist of the year after he crossed a ball perfectly to senior Dean Atkins who finished low left in between the posts.  The game tying goal was Atkins eighth on the season. 

The Lakers netted two goals within three minutes to make the score, 3-3 but Ramirez did not want to be denied. In the 73:05 minute Toby Bowser crossed a ball to Ramirez who couldn't miss today and netted his third of the game. Mercyhurst shot two more times and had their best opportunity with only 17 seconds to go, when Manea ripped a shot that was on target but Greg Blum of Slippery Rock spoiled the goal that would have tied up the game.

The Lakers now look to their final regular season game this Sunday against Gannon University at Mercyhurst Soccer Field. This game will conclude the regular season home games, the Lakers are 6-1-2 at home this season. The game time is set for 2 p.m. and live stats will be available, click here.