Neal’s goal lifts Lock Haven men to 1-0 victory over The Rock

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Alex Neal’s (Epsom, England/Royal Russel) goal from the penalty spot early in the second half proved to be the difference maker as the Lock Haven men’s soccer team (2-1-1) downed visiting Slippery Rock (0-2-1), 1-0, Wednesday in a thrilling a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East-West crossover match.

The victory pushed head coach Patrick Long ’08 to a milestone as it marked his 50th career win at Lock Haven.

After a scoreless first half, Neal converted from the penalty spot in the 47th minute. The goal held up and provided the Bald Eagles the win, their second straight victory.

Lock Haven goalkeeper Brady Freiwald (Altoona, Pa./Altoona) continued his brilliant play and finished with three saves on the way on to the shutout. It marked the first clean sheet of the season for the Bald Eagles, who are unbeaten in three of their first four games to start the 2023 campaign.

The Bald Eagles outshot Slippery Rock, 10-7 and the second-half pressure led to several strong scoring chances.

Duc Do (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) was one of many who led the way on defense and Jimmy Pombor (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) stood out in the second half, helping control the flow of the match.

The Bald Eagles travel to Millersville on Saturday, Sept. 16 for their PSAC Eastern Division opener, which is set for a 4 p.m. start.