ERIE, Pa. – Andrew Bennett scored with 2:34 remaining in regulation to force overtime and Jorge Gonzalez scored the game-winning golden goal in the extra period to send the Mercyhurst men's soccer team past Seton Hill 3-2 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Semifinals on Friday.
 
This was Mercyhurst's first game of the playoffs after receiving a bye as the PSAC's top-seeded team. Seton Hill won its quarterfinal match 4-0 against California (Pa.) in the tournament's first round on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
 
The Griffins came out hot in the first half and managed to take the lead in the 7^th minute. The ball was sent into the penalty area where it bounced around until it reached Curtis Gallegher. He volleyed the ball into the net to give the Griffins a 1-0 lead.
 
In its final two games of the regular season, Mercyhurst managed to come from behind after early deficits. On Friday, the Lakers managed to tie the score once again despite falling behind. Jorge Gonzalez ripped a shot from 20 yards out and beat the keeper to right side to tie the game at one in the 16^th minute.
 
Seton Hill did anything but back down after the Lakers tied the game. In fact, they retook the lead early in the second half. Gallegher passed it off to Harry Beattie and his goal put the Griffin's back in front 2-1.
 
Mercyhurst had difficulty all day developing chances offensively, especially after the second Griffin's score. Seton Hill often packed ten players on their defensive end to keep the Lakers from springing free.
 
With time winding down into the 88^th minute, the Lakers finally got the break they were looking for. Seton Hill was called for a foul just outside the penalty area, giving Mercyhurst a free kick. Mark Roche sent in a cross and the tallest man on the field, Andrew Bennett got his head on the ball and scored to give Mercyhurst the equalizer and force overtime.
 
In the overtime, Mercyhurst held the majority of possession and it didn't take long to find the game-winner. In almost a carbon copy of his first goal, Gonzalez blasted a shot from near the top of the 18-yard box and beat the keeper to the right side, giving Mercyhurst the 3-2 victory.
 
With the win, the Lakers have now won 11 straight games against PSAC opponents. It is also the first time Mercyhurst has made the PSAC Championship game since 2014 when it defeated Bloomsburg 5-0.
 
Mercyhurst will face off against a hot Millersville team who won the second semifinal after the Lakers. The Marauders exploded for six goals in the second half after falling behind 1-0 to West Chester and won 6-1. These two teams played in the final game of the regular season at Mercyhurst, with the Lakers coming out with a 4-3 win. The PSAC Championship game will be played Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mercyhurst Soccer Field.