Boxscore

ERIE, Pa. – Alex Manea and Dean Atkins combined for two goals in the final five minutes to propel the Mercyhurst College men's soccer team past Seton Hill University, 2-0, in both teams' season openers. The win avenged last season's 1-0 overtime loss at Seton Hill (0-1) and gave Mercyhurst (1-0) first-year head coach Dale White his first career victory. 

"It's a relief," said White.  "Just to win the game and see the guys get what they deserve is enough for me.  Getting the goals was the hard part."

In sweltering conditions at Mercyhurst Field, Manea's goal in the 86th minute opened the scoring on a floating ball that sailed from the west side of the field into the back end of the north goal past an outstretched goalkeeper. 

Just over two minutes later, Matthew Campana assisted by clearing the ball from inside the Lakers' defensive zone to a breaking Atkins who put a soft touch on the ball at 88:09 after streaking down the middle for possession. 

"We're young," added White. "In the first half our forwards didn't play deep enough. The second half we tried to stretch them more."

The Lakers dominated for much of the game, outshooting the Griffons 11-1 in the first half but only managing two shots on goal in that timeframe. After halftime, the Lakers again remained on attack for a majority of the final stanza and finished with a 24-5 advantage in shots, including a hefty 11-0 advantage in corner kicks. 
 
The Mercyhurst defense was stingy, quickly clearing the ball when necessary while limiting Seton Hill to just one shot on goal. 

"That's a testament to our defense" noted White.  "We have experienced players that lead very well."

Diego Gustin earned the complete game shutout for the Lakers to move to 1-0 in goal. His counterpart, Jon DeLuca (0-1), also went the distance. 

Mercyhurst next plays at Houghton on Sept. 7. Game-time is set for 7 p.m.