SR boys soccer remains unbeaten in region with 3-0 win over Greenville
SLIPPERY ROCK — It was early on in Slippery Rock’s boys soccer region game Monday against Greenville, but the Rockets were becoming visibly irritated.
They had pelted Trojans goalkeeper Drake Schmidt with six shots in the first 31 minutes and 10 seconds, but the game remained scoreless.
Max Kovacik, Zach Lasko, Ryan Strother and Trent Davey each had legitimate scoring chances but came away from each opportunity with their hands on their head or looking up at the sky in disbelief.
“It was definitely frustrating because we were getting off good shots,” said Davey.
Ironically, Slippery Rock finally got on the board late in the first half due to an own goal by Greenville before the offensive rush led to a pair of goals from Davey in the second half as the Rockets remained perfect in Region 2 play with a 3-0 win at Troy-Alan Stadium.
The ice-breaker came in the 38th minute when midfielder Jesse Gahring sent a cross from the right of Greenville’s goal. It was intended for Davey, who was streaking toward the net, but Greenville’s Logan Campbell got their first. Unfortunately for the Trojans (6-8-1, 3-5), the defender’s momentum was also headed toward the net. The ball glanced off Campbell’s chest and past Schmidt.
Despite stellar play from its goalkeeper, the Trojans trailed 1-0 at halftime.
“It was unfortunate, but that’s soccer,” said Greenville assistant coach John Forbes. “Drake is a first-year starter in net for us and has played well with three or four shutouts.”
The teams met earlier this season with Slippery Rock (13-2, 8-0) earning a 5-1 victory.
“Tonight, they played a higher line on defense,” said Rockets coach Kyle Hopkins. “Their center back (Blayne Knauf) is really fast and we tried to play some through balls, but were whistled for being offside on several occasions.”
The persistence was rewarded, however, when Davey scored his two goals in a six-minute span of the second half — in the 66th minute and the 72nd minute. His second tally was off a feed from Strother from the right of the net.
“Our entire attack is brand new,” said Hopkins. “Kovacik and Davey were part of our defense last year, but they have a lot of soccer knowledge and we moved them to the midfield this season.”
Davey leads the Rockets with 14 goals and Kovacik has 10.
“We got off to a bit of a slow start, but are becoming more comfortable with each other on and off the field,” Davey said. “We’re hitting our stride.”
Schmidt finished the game with 10 saves. Josh Book earned the shutout with six saves.
Slippery Rock hosts Hickory on Wednesday.
