Erie, Pa. – The No. 8 Mercyhurst women's soccer team drastically outshot visiting Urbana Sunday, Aug. 30. Despite the territorial disadvantage, the Blue Knights connected on their first attempt at goal in a 1-0 shutout win over the Lakers.

Seven minutes into the contest, Brook Shultz ran onto a through ball, finding space for a breakaway against keeper Amanda John. Schultz chipped a shot over John and into the net, giving Urbana a 1-0 advantage at 7:04. The goal was Schultz's second of 2009.

The Blue Knights committed a majority of their players to defending the Lakers, using a counterattacking offense which generated just two shots during the first half. After Urbana's early tally, Mercyhurst took nine consecutive shots, with three being turned aside by Mel Johansing.

The Lakers held a 10-2 advantage in shots during the first half. One of two Urbana shots on goal during the first half found the twine.

During the second half, Mercyhurst increased the pressure in search of an equalizing tally, accumulating 12 shots. Johansing answered the Lakers' three shots on goal during the final 45 minutes. The home team was unable to connect on five corner kicks in the final 20 minutes of play. The final Laker surge was held at bay by the Urbana defense, and the visitors finished with a 1-0 upset victory.

For the game, the Lakers outshot the Blue Knights 22-5, including 6-4 in shots on goal. Also, Mercyhurst held a 7-1 edge in corner kick attempts.

Johansing made six saves for the shutout, while John stopped three shots for Mercyhurst.

Freshman Danielle Braun attempted five shots to pace the Lakers, including three shots on target.
With the win, Urbana improves to 1-0-1 on the season. The Lakers' record stands at 0-2.

The Lakers host cross town rival Gannon Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. The teams have played to a draw in their last three meetings, including two ties in 2008. Wednesday marks the opening of the 2009 PSAC West campaign for both the Lakers and Golden Knights. Mercyhurst was predicted to finish second in the PSAC West coaches' poll, while Gannon was chosen to place third.

For a copmlete box score of Sunday's game, please click here.