CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team won its fourth straight game by defeating the California (Pa.) Vulcans 3-1 in California Wednesday night. The win was the Lakers' seventh win in the past eight contests and their sixth straight victory in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

Mercyhurst was the first team on the board thanks to the effort of Michael Blancato. In the 12^th minute, Blancato found himself in the right place at the right time. Jorge Gonzalez sent the ball towards goal where it was deflected and Blancato headed the deflection into the net for Mercyhurst to take the 1-0 lead. The goal was Blancato's first of the season.

Cal stormed right back with header goal of its own just five minutes later in the 17^th minute. Antonia Simora's diving effort sent the ball past Laker keeper Alex Brems. Cory Kuzilla earned the assists and the Vulcans knotted the score at one.

Rather than allowing Cal to gain momentum after tying the game, the Lakers responded by controlling the ball on the offensive side of the pitch. Mercyhurst earned the majority of scoring chances in the game by outshooting Cal 11-4 in the first half and 15-3 in the second half. In the second half, one of their shots finally went and they regained the lead in the 64^th minute. Leading-goal scorer Thom Derks scored after receiving a through ball from Mark Roche to score his 14^th of the season and put Mercyhurst on top 2-1.

The Lakers continued to press the advantage late in the second half and another Laker earned his first goal of the season as a result. Miguel Navarro buried his first of the campaign in the 84^th minute after Jorge Fitzmaurice set him up on a cross in to the middle of the field just outside the 18-yard box. The insurance goal extended the Laker lead to two, and they went on to win by a 3-1 final.

Mercyhurst (9-3-1, 7-1-0) hosts Lock Haven on Saturday, Oct. 15 in their next PSAC contest. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.