Soccer ends losing streak

Last weekend, the Slippery Rock University men's soccer team was hoping to get some momentum back with two PSAC wins at home. They, unfortunately, suffered losses to both the Bloomsburg University Huskies and the East Stroudsburg University Warriors, dropping their record to 3-5-0 for the season.The three-game losing streak was broken on Wednesday when the Rock defeated the Seton Hill Griffins 3-1, improving their record to 4-5-0. The win also brought back some confidence to the team.

"The game showed that we are able to create chances and put teams away late in games," said junior goalkeeper Clayton Master. "One thing good teams do is they never take their foot off the throttle. Once they gain a lead, they don't shift to cruise control. They constantly impose their will on the opponent. Wednesday's win showed us the formula for success, now we have to execute that formula for every game here on out."

Neither team was able to score a goal during the first half of the game, but senior forward Kenneth Fultz gave the Rock a 1-0 advantage at the 55:13 mark during the second half. Seton Hill's Bovey Masioli tied the game up just over a minute later.

One of the elements in the game the team has been struggling with this year has been staying focused and consistent throughout the entire game.

"Tactically, we were ready for Seton Hill," said junior defender Drew Donoghue.  "The game was tough, but we battled and continued to play hard. We were able to break down their defensive line, which led to the 2nd and 3rd goal."

The game-winning goal is credited to freshman forward Stephen Donnelly. The insurance goal was made by another freshman forward, Oladele Olaewe. The goals were the first of Donnelly's and Olaewe's collegiate careers.

Junior defender Christian McChesney is confident in the team's ability to continue improving their talent and record when they hit the road for two more games this weekend.

"We need to win out this weekend to gain some momentum on the road," McChesney said. "Judging by how we did against Millersville's cancelled game, I'm expecting to come home with two more wins."

The Green and White will head to Urbana University of Ohio (5-5-0)  for a match tomorrow.