SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Kutztown University women's soccer team continued its winning streak Tuesday afternoon in western Pennsylvania. Goals from sophomore forward
Emily Zwiercan (Reinholds, Pa./Cocalico) and senior defender
Morgan Staley (Landenberg, Pa./Kennett) were enough as the Golden Bears (7-0 overall, 5-0 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) held on for a 2-1 win at Slippery Rock.
The seven straight wins ties KU for fifth all-time in program history.
The Golden Bears now sit alone atop the PSAC standings, taking down the only other unbeaten team in the league, Slippery Rock (3-2-1, 3-1-1).
A key ingredient to winning on the road is starting fast. And the Maroon and Gold had the recipe for success at Slippery Rock.
Just 6:12 into the game, Zwiercan struck her team-leading seventh goal of the season off a cross into the 18-yard box. The ball deflected off of a defender, and Zwiercan found the back of the net, placing it to the right of the goalkeeper.
The rest of the first half had both teams with opportunities on the offensive third, but none of them were successful. KU outshot The Rock 6-4 over the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, the Golden Bears received a contribution on the offensive end from their center back and captain Staley.
In the 61st minute, Staley headed in an effort that was assisted by her backline-mate, freshman
Anna Hull (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley). It was Staley's second career goal and first since October 3, 2015.
Hull now has three assists on the season, two of which came in last Saturday's win at California (PA). She is tied for the team-lead in that category with Zwiercan,
Randi Smith (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Valley) and
Alyssa Ryan (North Wales, Pa./Wissahickon).
Slippery Rock cut their deficit in half 10 minutes later.
A pass was lobbed up from midfield to the top of the KU 18. It was met by Taylor Gunn, who finished for The Rock's first and only goal.
The Golden Bears defense, led by sophomore
Jenna Bracken (Wanaque, N.J./Lakeland Regional), held firm for the final 20 minutes. Bracken finished with six saves.
Kutztown will conclude its season-long, four-game road trip when they meet Edinboro (3-2-1, 3-2-1) on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.
