Slippery Rock University women’s soccer claimed another late-game victory Wednesday night, defeating Clarion University, 1-0, in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division (PSAC) action.
Slippery Rock controlled the game from the opening whistle, outshooting the Golden Eagles, 26-2, while holding a 10-0 advantage in shots on goal and a 12-0 edge in corner kicks.
After a scoreless opening 87 minutes, senior Sophia Palermo broke the deadlock in the 88th minute, scoring on Slippery Rock’s final shot of the game. Libby Earley recorded her second assist of the season on the game-winning goal.
The goal was Palermo’s team-leading fifth of the season and her fourth game-winner of the year. It was also the eighth game-winning goal of her career, moving her into a tie for eighth place in program history.
Palermo led all players with eight shots, including four on goal. Earley and Lilia Battalini each recorded three shots, while Lindsey Price and Abby Paterline added four a piece. Bella Gianfrancesco, Bailey McGee, Peyton Los and Jilly Deivert each recorded one shot.
Despite Slippery Rock’s offensive pressure throughout the contest, Clarion goalkeeper Sage Sherk kept the Golden Eagles within striking distance by making 10 saves.
The Rock’s defense, meanwhile, limited Clarion to just two shots and did not allow a single shot on goal.
Goalkeeper Leah Allman was not forced to make a save while recording her 23rd career clean sheet and 42nd career victory. The shutout marked her fourth of the season.
Slippery Rock’s defensive performance continued a strong season for Allman, who earned PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week honors last month. Through 12 games, she has allowed 10 goals while posting a 0.90 goals-against average and making 26 saves.
With the win, The Rock improved to 9-2-1 overall and 8-1-1 in PSAC West play, while Clarion fell to 4-5-3 overall and 3-5-3 in the division.
The victory marked another late-game result for The Rock, which has continued to remain atop the PSAC West standings.
Slippery Rock will close its three-game road trip at 3 p.m. Saturday against PSAC West opponent Pitt-Johnstown at the Pitt-Johnstown Soccer Field. The Rock defeated the Mountain Cats, 2-1, earlier this season at James Egli Field.
