Box Score

ERIE, Pa. – The No.15 Mercyhurst College men's soccer team defeated No.6 West Virginia Wesleyan College with two first-half goals in a 2-1 win against the Atlantic region foe.  Junior Austin Solomon scored a goal and added a assist in the victory.

The Lakers improve to 3-0-0 this season after beating then ranked No.10 Charleston University (W.Va.) last week and now No.6 West Virginia Wesleyan.  The Bobcats suffer their first loss of the season and now hold a 2-1-0 record through their first three games.

Early in the game Mercyhurst Goalkeeper Diego Gustin was tested as Matthew Brown of the Bobcats broke through the Laker defense and made a run at goal.  Gustin moved quickly up in the box to make a diving stop just before the offender could get a shot off, keeping the match scoreless going into the third minute. 

After some back-and-forth action the Lakers notched their first goal of the game breaking the 0-0 tie.  Solomon rocketed a shot on goal but was saved by the Bobcat Keeper, Senior Eric Steinmetz gathered the deflection and netted his first goal of the season.

The Mercyhurst offense kept up the offensive assault and would break through once more in the 35:44 minute of play.  In front of a crowded net, Billy Colton slid for the ball punching it directly to Solomon who shot from five yards out and gave the Lakers a 2-0 lead.  The goal marks Solomon's second of the season and Colton's first assist.

West Virginia Wesleyan picked up the pace in the second off controlling the ball most of the time.  Their aggressive play would pay off in the 78:40 mark as Jacob Maitland notched the Bobcats first netter, bringing them within just one goal of tying the Lakers. 

With ten minutes to go in the match before the final whistle Gustin had to make one more one-on-one stop.  The senior delivered as he came up in the box to neutralize the Bobcats attack.  From that point on the Lakers controlled the ball and watched the clock run out to beat the No.6 ranked team in the country.

The Lakers held a slight shot advantage at the end of the match, 10-6 with seven shots coming in the first half.  The Bobcats took five corners compared to four of the Lakers. 

Laker Keeper Gustin moves to 3-0-0 this season after making three saves.  His counterpart, Ryan McDougall moves to 2-1-0 on the year and made two saves in the contest.

The Lakers are back in action this Saturday, September 10 as they host Davis & Elkins.  Game time is scheduled for a 11 a.m. start at Mercyhurst Soccer Field.  For those fans that cannot make the match live stats will be available, click here for the link.