Box Score

Slippery Rock, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team played a spirited game in the NCAA Atlantic Regional semifinal Friday, Nov. 13 at No. 12 Slippery Rock, falling 3-2 in a double-overtime thriller. SRU's Jeremy Deighton headed in the game-winner at 108:28 with his third goal of the match. Mercyhurst received goals from Michael De Rose and Christoph Hampel in its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2006.

With the win, Slippery Rock (18-3-1) advances to the Atlantic Region final Sunday, Nov. 15 against the Univ. of Charleston. The Lakers conclude their successful season at 14-6-1.

With the game clock running down toward a potential penalty kick shootout, The Rock earned a corner kick. Kenneth Fultz struck the ball far post, where Jeremy Deighton headed it into the net for his third goal, sending The Rock to its second straight regional final appearance.

The Lakers and The Rock traded chances during the first overtime, as each goalie made one save. Christoph Hampel had a shot stopped by Greg Blum midway through overtime, keeping the score tied. The second overtime saw Mercyhurst attempt three shots, including a rocket from Austin Solomon that was parried away on the dive by Blum. The Rock scored on its second shot of the second overtime for the win.

In a very fast-paced, intense match, Mercyhurst controlled play for a majority of the time. The Lakers owned a significant edge in shots and shots on goal on the evening, firing 31 attempts to The Rock's 21, while outshooting SRU 17-8 in shots on goal. Also, the visitors held a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks.

The Lakers came back from two one-goal deficits during regulation, exploiting gaps in the midfield and defense, using skillful passing to build up to quality scoring chances. Trailing 2-1 with just under 18 minutes remaining, Hampel provided the Lakers with the equalizer. Dean Atkins played a ball from the right sideline towards the box, where Michael De Rose touched the ball to Hampel, who blasted a left-footed shot past Blum to tie the match at 2-2 at 72:33.

Hampel, activated as a third forward during the final 20 minutes of regulation, nearly gave the Lakers the lead with 10 minutes remaining, as his point-blank shot was stopped. Billy Colton's subsequent attempt was blocked by the defense. Diego Gustin made two spectacular kick saves to preserve the tie late in regulation. De Rose's close shot at 89:50 was saved, causing overtime to be played.

The first half saw two Slippery Rock goals off of set pieces, while Mercyhurst earned their goal on a shot from the top of the box. Slippery Rock earned a close free kick in the eighth minute, and Deighton headed in a Toby Bowser cross for his first goal of the match at 7:56.

Mercyhurst responded two minutes later, as Dean Atkins dropped a pass to De Rose at the top of the box. De Rose fired a low shot that beat Blum to the left post, equalizing the match at one goal apiece.

Deighton gave SRU a 2-1 lead at 13:09, heading in a Bowser cross after a short corner kick. Mercyhurst generated glorious scoring chances, nearly tying the game several times before the halftime buzzer.

Mercyhurst keeper Diego Gustin made five saves, while Slippery Rock's Greg Blum stopped a career-high 14 shots.

The two team faced each other for the fourth time Friday, and third time in the past two and a half weeks. Slippery Rock narrowly won th season series, 2-1-1, scoring seven goals to the Lakers' six during the four meetings.

Mercyhurst's 17 shots on goal were the most registered by the team this season.

De Rose posted a goal and an assist, his first collegiate three-point game. He is the third Mercyhurst player to post a goal and an assist in the same NCAA tournament game, with Mike Blythe and Oliver Woodward being the others. Hampel scored his fifth goal of 2009, making him the fifth Laker to notch five or more goals this season.

The Lakers are now 6-8-1 all-time in NCAA tournament action, as Friday's match was their third national tournament match to go into overtime.

The men's soccer team has concluded another successful campaign, reaching the NCAA tournament for the ninth time in program history while setting records along the way. The program remains poised for continued success.