Box Score
Erie, Pa. – The No. 18 Mercyhurst men's soccer team won its seventh straight home game of 2009, as
Nicholas Thompson scored twice in a 40 second span during the first half of the Lakers' 2-1 win over Molloy Saturday, Sept. 26.
The teams played through a stiff wind in the first half, with a majority of the play occurring in the midfield. The Lakers held an early advantage in possession, generating the game's first three shots. With the game in a scoreless tie, Thompson found space in the midfield, dribbling for better position before launching a shot from 35 yards which found the back of the net at 35:36.
The Lakers quickly added to their advantage, as Thompson lofted a ball from the left endline which curled into the upper right-hand corner of the net at 36:16, just 40 second after his first strike. Thompson's second goal of the match gave him eight for the season while stretching the Laker lead to 2-0.
Mercyhurst outshot Molloy 9-3 in the first half, while each team attempted two shots on target.
Shortly after the second 45 minutes began, the Lions clawed back into the game, as Mike Adamcewicz converted a Leo Arra cross into his fourth goal of the season. His tally trimmed the deficit to one at 2-1, and then a heavy rain set in on Mercyhurst Soccer Field.
The worsening weather conditions, combined with the physical style of play, made it difficult for either team to hold possession. Molloy shot at the Laker goal three times following their first tally, but
Diego Gustin was equal to the challenge each time. Mercyhurst held off the late Molloy rally, prevailing 2-1.
Mercyhurst improves to 7-2 with the win, while Molloy falls to 3-4-1.
For the match, Mercyhurst held a 13-11 edge in total shots, while Molloy attempted six shots on goal to the Lakers' five. Molloy attempted three corner kicks, and Mercyhurst attempted one.
Gustin made five saves for his sixth win of the season. Carlos Barros recorded three stops in the loss.
The Lakers have won their first seven home games this season. The last time the Lakers won their initial seven home contests was 2004, when the team went 7-0 at home for the season and had a 14-3-2 overall record. Mercyhurst has been victorious 12 consecutive times at home, dating back to Sept. 21, 2008, one shy of the program record, which ran from 1995-1997.
Thompson has scored at least one goal in all seven Laker home games. His two-goal effort Saturday was his first career multiple-goal outing. His two goals in 40 seconds were the fastest back-to-back Mercyhurst goals since Chris Whalley and Anthony Maher tallied 21 seconds apart in a 4-0 victory over Saginaw Valley State Oct. 13, 2001.
Mercyhurst hosts cross town rival Gannon Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. The Lakers and Golden Knights split their two meetings in 2008. Wednesday's matchup will conclude the first half of the PSAC West schedule.
