GREENSBURG, Pa. – The Mercyhurst College men's soccer team opened the 2011 campaign with a convincing win over Seton Hill, 3-1.  Senior Billy Colton, junior Austin Solomon, and senior Alex Manea combined for the three netters for the Lakers.

The Lakers scored their first goal of the season 26 minutes into the first half of play when Colton tallied an unassisted goal.  Solomon stopped the clock with just above three minutes left in the first half after he received a perfect pass from freshman Fernando Martinez who helped on the goal.  Solomon's goal would be the eventual game-winner.  The assist marks Martinez's first point as a Laker.  Solomon wasn't finished yet as he crossed a ball to teammate Manea, who finished what was the Lakers' third goal of the evening at the 60-minute mark.

The Mercyhurst offense managed 10 shots in the second half but only capitalized once.  The Lakers defense, on the other hand, shutdown the counter attack throughout the match.  Mercyhurst allowed just three shots on the day two of which were on target.  

With just six minutes remaining in the contest the Griffins found the back of the net, as Mike Belsito scored on an unassisted touch.

When all was said and done, the Lakers held the advantage in shots 18-3 and in corners 9-1.  The strong play of the Lakers boosts them to their first victory on the season. 

Mercyhurst goes into its home opener against the Golden Eagles of Charleston with a 1-0-0 record.  Charleston is ranked No. 10 in the country according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) pre-season poll.  Last season the Golden Eagles made a deep run into the NCAA tournament; this season they return 10 starters to the pitch, consisting of two All-Americans.

Game time is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, September 3 at Tullio Field.