AMHERST, N.Y. - The Daemen College men's soccer team suffered a hard-luck 2-1 defeat against Slippery Rock University in a non-conference matchup held at Dimp Wagner Stadium this afternoon.  With the loss, Daemen drops to 1-2 on the season while the Rock improved to 2-2 on the year.

Stephen Donnelly got the Rock on the board quickly as he put one past Daemen goalkeeper Matt Daddario (Amherst, N.Y./Sweet Home) in the 7th minute off a feed from Mike Pcholinsky.  

Daemen answered back three minutes later with a goal from sophomore forward Cole Beale (Hamburg, N.Y./Hamburg) at the 9:39 mark. For Beale, it was his second tally of the season and third for his career.

The game took a physical tone, especially in the second half.  Daemen was whistled for 17 fouls in the game while Slippery Rock fouled on 12 occasions.  The influx of whistles allowed each team several good chances on free kicks in the attacking third.  A yellow card was called on the Rock's Ryan Boylan in the 66^th minute while teammate Matt Sangermano was called for a red card and ejected from the game shortly after. Daemen picked up a total of three yellow cards as well.

Dom Francis added the third goal of the game in the 82nd minute off a breakaway putting the Rock ahead by one. With time winding down, the Wildcats could get not get the equalizer.

Steven Rerick earned the win in goal for the Rock, making five saves in the full 90:00.  Daddario stood tall for Daemen, making four stops but took the loss.

Daemen held a 12-10 advantage in total shots and a lead in corner kick opportunities 8-8 while both teams had six shots on goal.

Next up for Daemen is a home match against non-conference opponent Gannon University Tuesday, Sept. 16.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Dimp Wagner Stadium. Gannon is coming off a 7-11 campaign last season, having finished ninth in the PSAC standings at 5-6 in conference play.