ERIE, Pa. – Sten Marcson's goal early in the first half was the deciding factor, as the #7 Mercyhurst men's soccer team advanced past #22 Notre Dame (OH), 1-0, in the second round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament.
With the win, Mercyhurst improves their record to 19-2-0 overall and stretches their win streak to 15. The Lakers will now continue on to the third round of the NCAA Tournament and face off against #1 University of Charleston (19-0-1) at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. Charleston advanced yesterday after beating Bloomsburg, 5-0. The game will be played either Thursday or Friday, November 20 or 21.
The lone goal of the game was scored in the 12th minute off the foot of junior Marcson. A pass to the corner that found Jack Watson was redirected back to Marcson at the right corner of the box. Marcson was able to generate a great shot that beat Falcon's goalkeeper Spencer Semple right side. It was Marcson's third goal of the season and Watson's ninth assist.
The game was played between the boxes throughout the contest, as no team consistently put pressure on the defense. The Lakers were held to only 11 shots, which is their lowest shot output since September 25 against Cedarville (OH) with eight. Notre Dame recorded seven shots, only one was on net.
The Falcons were able to hold the corner kick advantage over Mercyhurst, as they would get six corner opportunities to Mercyhurts' one.
Ryan Arvin received the nod to start in net after sitting out the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament. Arvin recorded one save and still remains unbeaten with five shutouts, as his record improves to 12-0-0.
