Box Score
Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team recorded three goals during the second half for a 3-1 victory over Houghton Wednesday at Mercyhurst Soccer Field. Senior Nicholas Thompson recorded the game's opening goal and assisted on the game-winning strike by junior Dean Atkins. Nate Stern added his first career goal, from Austin Solomon, in the victory, as well.
Following a scoreless first 45 minutes, Mercyhurst broke through just 1:14 into the second half. Thompson deftly struck a shot with his left foot, bending the ball around the keeper and finding the lower right-hand corner of the net for a 1-0 Laker lead. He received an excellent lob pass from Eric Steinmetz, who found him across the pitch. The goal gave Thompson two tallies on the season, as he also scored in Sunday's 3-0 win over Urbana.
The Lakers continued to hold a majority of the possession after the opening goal, and Thompson dribbled along the endline on the left side, slicing a shot which Houghton keeper Steve Zacchinga deflected. Atkins found the carom and deposited the ball in the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage. The goal, the first for Atkins, was assisted by Thompson.
Houghton cut the deficit in half during the 80th minute, as Zach Wise fired a long throw-in from the right sideline which found Johnny Kimani's head far-post on the fly. Kimanis' header was true, and the Highlanders had their first tally of the match.
The Lakers continued to attack offensively while holding the slim 2-1 edge. Two Laker freshmen teamed up for a goal, as Austin Solomon played a skillful ball through the defense in the 86th minute, freeing Nate Stern for a breakaway. Stern touched the ball around the keeper, who had vacated his net, and deposited it into the net for a 3-1 lead. Stern's goal was the first career tally. The Lakers used end-of-game tactics, keeping the ball far away from their defending third during the waning minutes, and the team finished off a 3-1 win.
The first half belonged to Mercyhurst, possession-wise, as the Lakers attempted 12 shots to just two for the Highlanders. Houghton attempted several probing runs, but were caught offside five times in the first half. The home side peppered the Houghton net with six shots on target during the first half, but Zacchinga met the challenge each time.
Diego Gustin played strong in goal, making three saves, all in the second half, for his second win in as many matches. Zacchinga made six saves, and was helped by his teammates, as the Highlanders made two team saves on the posts.
The Laker defensive effort stymied Houghton's attack, limiting them to just nine shots, and three shots on goal. Mercyhurst took 23 shots, 11 of which were on target. Further evidence of the Lakers' territorial advantage lies in their eight corner kick attempts to just two for the Highlanders.
Mercyhurst has now won seven home games in a row, dating back to the Lakers' 2-1 win over then-No. 20 Millersville Sept. 20, 2008. The team went 8-1 at Mercyhurst Soccer Field one season ago.
The Lakers' record improves to 2-1 on the season with the victory, while the Highlanders are now 0-2.
Thompson tied his career high with three points, as he also had a goal and assist in a 2-1 overtime victory Sept. 27, 2008 at Shippensburg.
Mercyhurst opens PSAC West play Sunday, hosting the Lock Haven Bald Eagles at 3:30 p.m. The Lakers went 1-0-1 against Lock Haven in 2008, including a 3-2 victory Oct. 23 in which Billy Colton had a goal and an assist, Stephen Duggan scored a goal, and Nick Doyle earned his first career win.
