Erie, PA—The Mercyhurst Women's Soccer team continued their point streak on Wednesday. The Lakers defeated the UPJ Mountain Cats, 2-0.
How it Happened
The Lakers struck first in the 13th minute. Karah Van Horn took advantage of a UPJ turnover and went in on a break-a-way. Van Horn took a shot and the keeper got a piece of it but not enough. The goal was Van Horn's team leading third goal of the season.
In the 23rd minute UPJ had a free kick from just outside the box after goalkeeper Maddie Elbro came off her line and earned a Yellow Card. UPJ could not convert as the free kick went over the crossbar.
Neither team could push another goal across in the first half. The Lakers went into the break outshooting UPJ 8-4 and 5-1 for shots on goal.
The second half was a lot of back-and-forth play until the 77th minute. Lauren Casey took a shot from way out and it managed to beat the keeper to extend the lead to two.
For the rest of the game the Lakers shutdown the Mountain Cats. In the second half UPJ was held to just two shots with only one finding the goal.
It's Only The Beginning
The Lakers came into the season with 24 players that never played in a NCAA Championships season. That includes the likes of Elbro, Van Horn, and Teagan Mehalko who have all been vital contributors to the team so far this season.
Mercyhurst still has 12 conference games remaining of the schedule in the regular season. Currently the Lakers are 2-1-1 in PSAC West play with their lone loss coming to Edinboro who is currently ranked 11th in the nation.
Coach's Corner
Head Coach Jon Arlet was happy to get their first PSAC home win out of the way today. "Pleased for the team to get our first home PSAC win against a good UPJ side who have been right there with everyone in conference play. I was also pleased with our chance creation and keeping another clean sheet," Arlet said.
The fourth-year manager knows there are always something to learn from and today was no different, "There were lessons in this match that allow us to grow and move forwards as a program."
Arlet is also proud of his younger players and the more experienced players as everyone contributed today. "I'm proud of our side and the work we are doing. Maddie was big again in goal and I think Madison Hoover and Dani Hartman played fantastic in several roles today. It was also great to see Lauren Casey get back on the scoresheet this afternoon."
Up Next
PSAC West play continues as the Lakers head to Seton Hill on Saturday for a 2 PM kickoff with the Griffins.
