ERIE, Pa. – Freshman Martin Guerra Esteban (Madrid, Spain/Colegio Santa María de Yermo FESD) scored the first goal of his collegiate career, but the Gannon men's soccer team could not overcome a three-goal first half in a 3-1 loss to Slippery Rock on Wednesday evening at McConnell Family Stadium.
The loss moved the Golden Knights to 10-2-3 overall and 6-1-1 in PSAC play.
Slippery Rock grabbed the lead in the 19th minute when Boele Zwartele scored his fifth goal of the season. The Rock added two more before halftime, with Kaden Reynolds finding the net at 29:37 before Tom Roantree extended the advantage to 3-0 at 32:27.
Gannon responded with increased pressure after halftime. The Golden Knights attempted 12 shots and earned six corner kicks over the final 45 minutes after recording four shots and two corners in the opening half.
That pressure paid off in the 66th minute when Guerra Esteban scored an unassisted goal to cut the deficit to 3-1. The freshman defender's goal was the first of his collegiate career.
Gannon continued to push forward but was unable to cut further into the deficit.
THE GAME FACTS
Score: Slippery Rock 3, Gannon 1
Records: Gannon 10-2-3 (6-1-1 PSAC), Slippery Rock 4-5-6 (2-3-3 PSAC)
Location: McConnell Family Stadium | Erie, Pa.
Attendance: 75
THE KNIGHT CAP
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First Career Goal: Martin Guerra Esteban (Madrid, Spain/Colegio Santa María de Yermo FESD) scored his first collegiate goal in the 66th minute.
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Second-Half Push: Gannon outshot Slippery Rock 12-1 over the final 45 minutes.
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Shot Advantage: The Golden Knights finished with a 16-13 advantage in total shots.
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Corner Control: Gannon earned eight corner kicks compared to two for Slippery Rock.
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Hyde Active: Rafa Hyde (São José dos Campos, Brazil/Objetivo Aquarius) led Gannon with four shots, including one on goal.
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Ivascu Creates Chances: David Ivascu (Vaughan, Ontario/St. Elizabeth Catholic) attempted five shots after entering as a substitute.
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Capurro in Goal: Ivan Capurro (Uruguay/Escola Ginebró) finished with five saves in 90 minutes.
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Possession Edge: Gannon held 61 percent of the possession in the match.
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Conference Setback: The loss was Gannon's first defeat in PSAC play this season.
UP NEXT
Gannon returns to PSAC action on Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Golden Knights travel to Seton Hill for a 1 p.m. matchup in Greensburg, Pa.
This story was written using the support of AI.
