Aug. 27, 2006

Stats

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's soccer team opened the year where the 2005 season left off, defeating Ohio Dominican 2-1 Sunday at Mercyhurst Soccer Field.

The Lakers got off to a slow start a year ago, taking 11 matches to finally post at least two goals in a game. But Mercyhurst went 6-1-1 to close out the 2005 campaign and followed that up with a quick start this year. The Lakers scored twice in the first 25 minutes and looked comfortable for most of the remainder of the match.

Junior defender Jeffrey Powell scored his second career goal just 3:22 into play as his rocket shot from 20 yards out found the back of the net. Sophomore Sean Spangler picked up his first career assist on the shot.

Midway through the first half, Ohio Dominican keeper Chris Eaken blocked shots from Kyle Jackson and Tyler Emerick, but senior captain Jason Pedra sent the second rebound home to put the Lakers on top 2-0.

For much of the rest of the contest, Mercyhurst was content to keep the Panthers from getting many chances at goal. Ohio Dominican, though, did finally break through with just under 10 minutes to play as Shan Wade picked up a deflection and scored from 10 yards out.

For the game, Mercyhurst held a 22-11 advantage in shots and 13-5 in shots on goal. Mercyhurst keeper Daniel Mudd made four saves to get the decision between the pipes.

Mercyhurst (1-0) will host Truman State Friday at 4 p.m.