Anson Portzline had a goal and an assist, but Slippery Rock built a 3-1 halftime lead and held on for a, 3-2, PSAC Western Division victory over the Mountain Cats, Saturday afternoon in Slippery Rock. With the loss, Pitt-Johnstown slipped to 2-3-0 overall and 0-2-0 in conference-play.
The Mountain Cats got off to a quick start and took a 1-0 lead seven minutes into the match on Portzline's unassisted goal that found to top right corner of the net behind Slippery Rock goalkeeper Adam Davies.
The Rock answered with a pair of goals in a span of 1:08 to go in front. Arturo Pla Hernandis finished an assist from Luke Gildea in the 20
th minute, before Ignacio Rullan scored just over a minute later to make it 2-1.
Aitor Jorde then beat Mountain Cat goalkeeper 10 minutes later to give Slippery Rock a 3-1 halftime advantage.
It remained that way until Pitt-Johnstown narrowed it to 3-2 in the 87
th minute when
Dillon Trimble scored off of Portzline's assist.
However, that was as close as the Mountain Cats would get.
Tichnell saw 14 Slippery Rock shots, allowed all three goals, and made four saves for Pitt-Johnstown.
Davies faced seven Mountain Cat shots, made five saves, and surrendered a pair of goals to help The Rock improve to 2-3-3 overall and 1-1-0 in the PSAC West.
With the cancellation of Tuesday's non-conference match against D'Youville, the Mountain Cats will now celebrate Senior Day with a PSAC West match against California (PA) on Saturday at noon at the Pitt-Johnstown Soccer Field, before visiting Mercyhurst for a conference match on Oct. 11.
