Box Score

Please click here for the Merciad Game of the Week video featuring Mercyhurst and Gannon.

Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team posted a resounding 2-0 victory over rival Gannon Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Mercyhurst Soccer Field. Dean Atkins and Austin Solomon notched one goal apiece in the victory, while Diego Gustin recorded the shutout.

With the victory, the Lakers improve to 8-2, 3-1 in PSAC West play. The Golden Knights are now 3-6-2, 1-3 in the division. Mercyhurst is in second place in the PSAC West, while Gannon is tied for third.

Mercyhurst has won all eight home games so far this season, and the team tied a program record with their 13th consecutive home victory, dating to Sept. 21, 2008. The Lakers have outscored opponents 23-3 at home this season.

The Lakers controlled play for a majority of the first half, owning a 10-3 advantage in shots. Mercyhurst quickly generated offense, activating the outside defenders and midfielders. The home team asserted itself early, and was rewarded in the 15th minute with the game's first tally.

Nicholas Thompson received a pass on the left side and struck firm shot which Gannon keeper Steven Boehmer stopped, with the rebound trickling across the goalmouth. Dean Atkins shot the ball into the net at 14:55 for a 1-0 Mercyhurst edge. The goal was Atkins' third of the season.

The Lakers continued the pressure in the ensuing minutes, recording four shots in a three and a half minute span. Thompson sent a corner kick far-post in the 27th minute. ETommy LundE settled the ball, then fed Austin Solomon, who unleashed a left-footed blast from 15 yards that beat Boehmer inside the right post. Solomon's goal, his second of 2009, gave Mercyhurst s 2-0 lead at 26:11.

Mercyhurst frustrated the Golden Knights' offense the rest of the first 45 minutes, with Diego Gustin making one save before the halftime buzzer.

Following intermission, the game became more physical, with four bookings during the final 45 minutes. The Lakers maintained a territorial advantage until the Golden Knights turned up the offensive pressure with 30 minutes remaining. Gustin made a point-blank save on Evan Chate with 27:15 left in the contest, keeping Gannon off the scoresheet. Gannon misfired on several chances, being pressured by the stingy Laker defense.

With many Gannon players committed forward, Mercyhurst found space to counterattack, with Thompson and Billy Colton each having close chances turned aside by Boehmer. The Golden Knights managed just one shot in the final 15 minutes of play, and the Lakers had a 2-0 victory.

The Lakers outshot the Golden Knights 17-10, including 7-3 in shots on goal.

Gustin registered three saves for his second career shutout. Boehmer made five stops in the loss.

This season, the Lakers have posted five shutouts, one more than during 2008 season.

Thompson posted an assist in Wednesday's game, extending his home point-scoring streak to eight games.

Atkins' goal was his second game-winner of 2009.

The Lakers will next play host to PSAC East opponent East Stroudsburg Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. Mercyhurst is 4-2 all-time against ESU, with the last time being a 1-0 Laker victory in 1998.