Box Score

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg men's soccer team put forth a competitive effort in its 2009 regular season opener on Thursday night from David See Field but fell victim to a 10-minute stretch of play in which No. 18 Slippery Rock scored twice en route to a 2-0 loss for the Raiders.

Shippensburg (0-1) notched five corners and totaled 10 shots against a nationally-ranked opponent in a contest that was only scheduled about 23 hours before it started. The two teams matched up on Thursday night after Salem International announced on Wednesday that it would not be competing in this weekend's soccer tournament.

Slippery Rock (1-0) opened the scoring off a solid header from reigning PSAC Western Division Player of the Year Jeremy Deighton that flew into the top right corner past diving freshman goalkeeper Clay Sale. A marvelous through ball from Josh Gauger set up the strike that gave The Rock the lead.

Just eight minutes later, a contested tackle went the way of Slippery Rock and Toby Bowser streaked up the left side for another goal. Shippensburg threatened throughout the contest, but Slippery Rock goalkeeper Greg Blum made three saves to ultimately record a shutout.

Freshman Andrew Foran started in goal for Shippensburg and made three stops during the first half. Sale entered at halftime and made two stops as well. Both freshmen will be sharing time in goal as the early season progresses.

Shippensburg will return to action tomorrow with a 7:30 p.m. contest against Ashland from David See Field.