Box Score


ERIE, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's soccer team lost their Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opener to West Chester, 2-1.

In the first half, Jack Watson had a few opportunities at the net but was not able to find a way past West Chester goal keeper Matt Palmer. Mercyhurst out-shot the Golden Rams 12-0 in first half and still went into halftime tied 0-0.

In the second half, West Chester's Alex Lean set up Brett Glasco in the 59^th minute for his first goal of the season and 1-0 advantage. Just ten minutes later the Golden Rams would strike again in the 69^th minute off a Tommy Ryan free kick beating goal keeper Nicholas Smith for a 2-0 lead.

Mercyhurst would get on the board in the 72^nd minute when Richard Vanhorne assisted Fernando Martinez, his third goal of the season, cutting the deficit in half, 2-1.
The Lakers were not able to get another goal past Palmer as time expired.

The Lakers put plenty of pressure on Palmer throughout the game. Mercyhurst out-shot the Golden Rams 24-6. Danny Deakin, Martinez, and Jack Watson were very active combing for 15 shots overall in the contest.

Palmer was on his game having 11 saves on 12 shots on goal for Mercyhurst.  Smith, making his fourth straight start in goal for the Lakers, recorded his first loss on the season, saving three of the five West Chester shots on goal.

It was a physical match, as well, when Mercyhurst's Thomas Davis, West Chester's Brian Schaefer, and Miguel Ross all received yellow cards. West Chester's Miguel Ross would receive another which would eject him from the game with only a minute and a half left to play.

The loss drops the Lakers to 4-2-0 (0-1-0 PSAC) overall and West Chester improves to 3-2-0 (1-0-0 PSAC).

Mercyhurst will be back in action tomorrow against East Stroudsburg at home. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.