Box Score

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Mercyhurst University men's soccer team got its 2012 season off to a rough start on Friday evening, suffering a 4-0 setback to the Dragons of Tiffin University at the Slippery Rock Soccer Tournament. It marked the season opener for both schools.

The Dragons got three goals from Karl Jones, two coming in the first 15 minutes of the match, and ten saves from goalkeeper Jeremy Ashley en route to the shutout victory over the Lakers. The Lakers held an 11-5 shots on goal advantage in the contest.

Jones scored the eventual game-winning goal just 9:04 into the match on a kick from roughly 30 yards out that found the top right corner of the net behind Mercyhurst goalkeeper Diego Gustin, giving the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Jones scored again six minutes later on a similar play, giving Tiffin a 2-0 advantage.

Tiffin would tally its third goal of the first half, in the 31st minute, off the foot of Qendrim Rexhepi for a 3-0 Dragon advantage. Jones would complete the hat trick in the 67th minute to cap off the scoring.

Mercyhurst had an opportunity just two minutes into the contest, but a shot by Fernando Martinez hit the crossbar. Ashley then took over in goal, stopping five Mercyhurst shots in the first half, and then five more in the second. Mercyhurst attempted 22 shots for the game, with exactly half of their attempts ending up on goal. 

The Lakers also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks, but could not crack the scoreboard.

The Dragons were limited to five shots on goal for the game, but four of those got past Gustin. The senior goalkeeper made his only save of the evening in the 79th minute.

Alex Manea led the Lakers with seven shot attempts. He, Sten Marcson, and Nate Stern ended up with three shots on goal apiece.

Mercyhurst will look to pick up its first win of the season on Sunday, as the Lakers will play Ashland University at the Slippery Rock tournament. Start time is scheduled for noon.