Slippery Rock boys soccer still in hunt for 4th straight District 10 region title after win vs Greenville

October 08, 2025 Last Updated: October 08, 2025 10:35 PM Sports

Slippery Rock’s Wade Freehling (14) battles for control in a game against Greenville during a boys soccer game on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at Slippery Rock High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Slippery Rock boys soccer entered Wednesday’s game against Greenville as the highest scoring team in District 10, Region 2 with 51 goals in 13 games.

After coming up empty in the first 55 minutes, the Rockets’ top offensive threats came through.

Sophomore striker Wade Freehling buried a shot past Trojans’ goalie Ethan Westcott to break the ice. Twenty minutes later, senior Ryan Strother made it a two-goal advantage, and Slippery Rock went on to post a 2-1 win at Troy-Alan Stadium to keep the Rockets in contention for a region crown.

A victory over Sharon on Tuesday would clinch at least a share of the title for the Rockets (11-3, 8-1). It would be Slippery Rock’s fourth straight region championship. Hickory is also vying for the crown. The Rockets and Hornets split their two meetings this season.

Slippery Rock’s 3-0 win at Greenville Sept. 17 had a different feel than Wednesday’s rematch.

“In the first game, we scored two goals off corner kicks in the first 15 minutes, were able to take control early,” Rockets coach Kyle Hopkins said. “Tonight, (the Trojans) had a couple of guys sitting back and our attack was two against four. We did get some shots off but weren’t able to put them away.”

Slippery Rock’s Cody Freehling (3) heads the ball in a game against Greenville during a boys soccer game on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at Slippery Rock High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Freehling and Strother have combined for over 30 goals this season. The former’s score Wednesday came on a shot from the right of the net. Westcott dove to his right, but the ball sailed past him and into the bottom left corner of the net.

“I came off the bench last year, didn’t see a whole lot of playing time,” Freehling said. “I think I’ve stepped up this season and I’m carrying my weight.”

Strother scored with 5:14 left in the game. Greenville’s Aiden Bailey gave his team hope with a goal two minutes later, but the Rockets were not threatened again.

Westcott made 11 saves in the loss while Slippery Rock’s Parker Wilhide stopped eight shots.

With just over 14 minutes remaining, Greenville was swarming in front of Slippery Rock’s net. A shot nearly tied the game, but Rockets sophomore midfielder Logan Berry got to the ball just before it crossed the goal line inside the right post. Moments later, the Trojans (6-9, 3-6) were awarded a corner kick that was successfully defended by the Rockets.

“The defense has played great,” Hopkins said. “Cody Freehling and Wesley Keith are manning the back for us. Alex Cagle, Garrett Arblaster and Caleb Clark are playing well, too.”

Slippery Rock, which has now qualified for the District 10 playoffs five consecutive years, hosts Ambridge on Saturday.