Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team scored three unanswered tallies Sunday against visiting Urbana, soaring to a 3-0 win in its home opener Sunday, Aug. 30.

Urbana was assessed a penalty for a handball in the box 8:58 into Sunday's contest, giving the Lakers a penalty kick. Junior Billy Colton tucked his shot inside the left post for a 1-0 Mercyhurst lead. Colton's marker, his first of 2009, gave him 31 for his career. It marked his sixth penalty kick goal in seven career attempts.

Following the opening strike, the Lakers continued pressuring the visitors while maintaining possession of the ball for extended periods of time. Mercyhurst generated much buildup during the first half, leading to quality scoring chances. Midway through the first half, the Lakers added two insurance goals within seven minutes of each other.

Junior Arash Fahandezh settled the ball in the midfield during the 26th minute, then found senior Nicholas Thompson with a lob to the edge of the 18-yard box. Thompson fired a shot near-post that eluded the Urbana keeper for a 2-0 Laker lead. The goal, Thompson's first of 2009, gave him six for his career.

Mercyhurst capitalized on a turnover in the 33rd minute, as David Miller chipped a quick touch through the defense to Paul Neill on the right side of the box. Neill's accurate shot from 10 yards out rattled off the inside of the post before finding the back of the net for a 3-0 lead on his first goal as a Laker. Miller earned the assist on the goal.

The home team took a commanding 3-0 halftime advantage, as Mercyhurst outshot Urbana 13-2, including 7-0 in shots on goal. The Lakers attempted four corner kicks in the first half.

The physical play from the first half carried over into the second 45 minutes, as three yellow cards were given after two first-half bookings. Also, Mercyhurst continued to dominate possession during the second half, outshooting Urbana 13-5. Starting Mercyhurst goalkeeper Diego Gustin made one save in the second half before being replaced by Ryan Wagner. Wagner made two saves during his time in net, including a punch over the bar to maintain a clean sheet for the Lakers. The teams played a scoreless second half, yielding a 3-0 final score in Mercyhurst's favor.

Gustin and Wagner combined for three saves in the shutout, while Urbana's Huw Howell-Pryce made six saves.

The Lakers' record is now 1-1-0 with the victory, while Urbana holds a 1-1-0 record as well.

For the game, Mercyhurst took 26 shots to the Blue Knights' seven, and also held a 9-3 edge in shots on target and 9-5 advantage in corner kicks.

With his goal today, Colton moved into sixth on the program's all-time goal-scoring list, breaking a tie with Jason Pedra, who played for the Lakers from 2003-06.

The Lakers host NAIA program Houghton Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 5:30 p.m., continuing their six-game homestand. The team begins PSAC West play Sunday, Sept. 6 at home against Lock Haven.

For a complete box score, please click here.