ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University men's soccer team was defeated by Slippery Rock University, 1-0, Friday afternoon in the semifinals of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament. The loss ends the Lakers season with a 9-8-1 overall record, while The Rock advances to the PSAC Championship game with a 13-6 overall record.

Early back and forth play in the first half eventually led to a Mercyhurst scoring opportunity in the 26th minute when senior defender Sten Marcson fired a shot at Rock netminder Steven Rerick, who made a diving save. Each team proposed a scoring chance, but the game would remain scoreless to the half. Mercyhurst outshot Slippery Rock by nine in the first 45 minutes of play (11-2), but could only put two on net.

After holding their opponents to only one goal in the previous three games (off a penalty shot at Milersville), Mercyhurst's stellar defense finally lapsed in the 51st minute when Slippery Rock midfielder George Oakley placed a free kick over the head of goalkeeper Daniel Lowton from 30 yards out. The goal was Oakley's first of his career.

Mercyhurst would control the possession for the remainder of the contest, but none of their 10 shots following the goal would find the back of the net, as The Rock would hold on for the win, 1-0. It is Slippery Rock's fourth consecutive shutout.

For the game, the Lakers outshot Slippery Rock, 23-6, while The Rock held the corner advantage, 4-2. Daniel Lowton finished the game with four saves, while his record concludes at 7-3-1 in net.

With the loss, the Lakers fall to 1-2 against Slippery Rock in PSAC Tournament play.

The PSAC Championship game will feature two-seed Millersville vs four-seed Slippery Rock at Mercyhurst Soccer Field. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, November 8.