SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Gannon men's soccer team scored three first-half goals and held off Shippensburg 3-2 Saturday afternoon in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) match-up. The decision extended the Golden Knights' win streak to five matches, representing the program's longest win streak since opening the 2007 campaign with seven consecutive victories.

Gannon out-shot Shippensburg 15-9 during the first half, leading to a 3-1 halftime advantage. Tyler Hollingsworth (Johannesburg, South Africa/St. David's Marist Inanda) remained red hot with the contest's first goal in the 11th minute. The sophomore midfielder has scored in three consecutive matches, including a pair of scores last Wednesday against California (Pa.) at home.

A flurry of action broke out in the final eight minutes of the half. Evan Chate (Vendays-Montalivet, France/Odilon Redon) extended the Gannon lead to 2-0 with his third goal of the season at the 37:00 mark.

Two minutes and 40 seconds later, Alex Supplee answered for Shippensburg. His goal off an assist from Oil Templeton cut the deficit in half.

However, it lasted only three minutes and 26 seconds until Afrim Latifi (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) was granted a penalty kick. The senior forward converted the opportunity with 1:54 left in the first half, sending the Golden Knights off the field with a 3-1 halftime lead.

Gannon switched to a more defensive style in the second half. Shippensburg drew within one goal on Michael Celius' score in the 51st minute, but neither team was able to dent the scoreboard in the final 39 minutes. The Raiders managed three shots in the final seven minutes, but all three were either blocked or sailed wide.

The match was a physical one, featuring six yellow cards and 26 fouls. Gannon held a slight 22-21 edge in shots. Both teams took eight corner kicks.

Latifi moved into 11th place all-time at Gannon in both goals (33) and points (79) with Saturday's performance. Michael Kickel (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) made a season-high seven saves while picking up his fifth victory in goal.

Gannon improved to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the PSAC with its fifth consecutive victory. In the process, the Golden Knights moved to 4-0-1 all-time against the Raiders. Shippensburg dropped to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

Head coach Rob van Rheenen's squad returns to action Tuesday, September 21 against Wheeling Jesuit at Gannon University Field. The Cardinals are tabbed ninth in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Atlantic regional rankings. The Golden Knights are listed seventh. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

For a complete box score from Saturday's Gannon-Shippensburg men's soccer match, please click here.