Men's Soccer keeps playoff hopes alive

As the final games of the regular season approach, the Slippery Rock men's soccer team is looking to pull back above .500 by the end of the regular season.

 The Rock has fallen short of reaching some of its expectations  the team is under .500 at 6-7-1 on the season.

"It hasn't been the most successful season, but we're going to continue to work hard to make the playoffs," head coach Michael Bonelli said. "If not, we'll play with pride for the rest of the season and try to finish strong."

With three games remaining in the season, the Green and White have to win at least two games to finish the season above .500 and still have a small chance to make it into the playoffs.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Rock defeated Pitt-Johnstown, 4-0.

The shutout was a huge boost for the team after losing two straight games to get back on path after losing tough games.

Keeping the ball rolling, the Green and White defeated the Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals by a final score of 2-1.

The Cardinals were able to get on the scoreboard first thanks to a goal from Hilario Gimon at the 1:22 minute mark of the game.

Slippery Rock stayed focused and applied constant pressure on their opponent, opening up an opportunity for freshman forward, Austin Pierce, to find a goal at the 13:34 minute mark.    

The game-winning goal came from junior midfielder, Cody Clark, a little over a minute later.

Clark  leads the Rock with three goals and three assists for a total on nine points this season.

The score remained unchanged through the rest of the half.

During the second half, junior goalkeeper Clayton Master recorded four saves to help the Green and White secure the victory.

Bonelli said that he feels the team has grown throughout the season and are starting to understand more about what it is to play for the Green and White.

"I think our younger players got a glimpse of what Rock soccer is about," Bonelli said.

On Saturday, the Rock faces Gannon University, who is ranked just above them in the current PSAC standings and SRU still currently has a chance to make it into the playoffs.

 The Rock's final three games of the season are all home games, and victories in all three games will give the Rock a chance to make the playoffs.