SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – A go-ahead goal from Mark Roche proved to be the game-winner for the Mercyhurst men's soccer team as they beat western Pennsylvania rival Slippery Rock 3-1 on Wednesday night.
 
Mercyhurst earned scoring opportunities early by registering the game's first three shots less than ten minutes into the game. In the 26^th minute, the Lakers finally made an opportunity count. Thom Derks continued his torrid scoring pace with his sixth goal of the season on a breakaway opportunity, giving Mercyhurst the early advantage.
 
Slippery Rock equalized ten minutes later in the 36^th minute courtesy of Jacob Thiel. Thiel played the ball in from the side of the box and it found its way into the net to knot the game at one.  
 
It didn't take long for Mercyhurst to retake the lead after halftime. In the 57^th minute, Mark Roche placed an upper corner shot from inside the box to give the Lakers the go-ahead goal making it 2-1. The goal was Roche's first of the season not scored via penalty kick.
 
Jorge Gonzalez added insurance for Mercyhurst by taking advantage of a Slippery Rock mistake. Gonzalez scored his second of the season in the 79^th minute after a misplay on the ball by a Slippery Rock defender gave Gonzalez the chance to finish on an open goal. The Lakers went on to win by the final score of 3-1.
 
The Lakers are now 2-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and are tied for third-place in the standings early in the 2016 season.
 
Mercyhurst (3-2-1) will be on the road once again for their next match this Saturday, Sept 24, taking on Seton Hill. Kickoff will be at 2 p.m.