Box Score

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Despite firing 15 shots and recording some quality point-blank scoring opportunities in the second half, the Shippensburg men's soccer team could not jam home the tying goal against PSAC Eastern Division opponent West Chester on Wednesday night at David See Field, dropping a 2-0 decision to the visitors.

Shippensburg (1-7-2, 0-4-1 PSAC East) seemed sluggish at the outset and fell behind in the 23rd minute when Ricky Williamson tipped-in a cross from Jason Mackel to give the visitors the lead. Red-shirt senior goalkeeper Brad Patke was particularly strong in the first half, handling a total of 13 shots and making six saves in the opening 45 minutes.

The Red Raiders broke free for two dynamite scoring chances in the opening 20 minutes of the second half. In the 56th minute sophomore Dave Rostad emerged on a breakaway and fired a shot that was blocked by Garrett Santora, forcing him to the ground. The rebound went back to Rostad on a bounce, who fired another shot toward the cage that was saved by defender Mark Michell.

Five minutes later, Rostad fired two more shots on Santora in rapid-fire succession that were stopped by the senior keeper. Shippensburg dominated the territorial edge in the second half, out-shooting the Golden Rams 9-5 over the final 45 minutes before the Golden Rams added a score in the final minute after the Red Raiders had shifted into a hyper-offensive approach.

As is the case with most PSAC divisional clashes, Wednesday's contest featured a physical and chippy style of play that was highlighted by the two teams combining for six yellow cards and 55 fouls.

Shippensburg will travel to Slippery Rock this weekend for a 1 p.m. match with The Rock on Saturday.