SALEM, W.Va. (Sept. 8) – The Tigers held off a late surge by visiting Slippery Rock to claim a 2-1 win in non-conference play at Catalano Stadium Tuesday evening.
 
The win improves the Salem International University men's soccer team to 2-1-0, while The Rock falls to 2-1-0 this season.
 
The Tigers tallied the first goal in the 20th minute of the match when freshman Samir Anzil beat the Slippery Rock goalkeeper to give Salem International a 1-0 lead.
 
The Rock evened the match up in the 41st minute, but a quick response put the Tigers out in front for the remainder of the match.  Sophomore Mohamed Ali Khalaf (Jabriya, Kuwait/Jabriya Indian School) received a pass from Anzil and delivered the game-winning goal less than 30 seconds after Slippery Rock tied the game.
 
Slippery Rock's best opportunity to even the match came in the 80th minute, when a shot by The Rock deflected off of a Salem defender and found the crossbar. The ensuing corner kick resulted in another Slippery Rock shot, however senior goalkeeper Elliot Cook (Nottingham, England/South Nottinghamshire Academy) came up with a save to maintain the Tiger advantage.
 
Salem International held an 11 to four advantage in shots, with each team putting four on net. The Tigers also held a six to five edge in corner kick attempts.
 
Cook made three saves to earn his second win of the season, while Anzil led the team with a goal and an assist on the evening.
 
The Tigers return to action for their Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) opener on Saturday, Sept. 12 when they host Cedarville for a 5 p.m. kickoff.