Erie, Pa – The fourth-ranked Mercyhurst Men's Soccer team doesn't slow down as they take on Cal (Pa.) this Saturday, October 15th. The Lakers are still undefeated and boast a historic 12-0-1 record heading into their weekend matchup with the Vulcans.
1. Standings Update
After defeating Gannon last week, Mercyhurst strengthened their position at the top of PSAC West Standings with a 5-0 conference record. They are followed by the Golden Knights and Seton Hill at 4-1-1. Slippery Rock sits at the fourth spot at 2-4 while Cal (Pa.) is fifth, having a record of 1-4. With five games left in the regular season, the Lakers put themselves in a great spot as they are looking to finish it at the top.
2. Team Success In Numbers
Mercyhurst has won twelve games so far and scored 44 goals this season with 33 of them assisted. Thanks to the great defense, they only allowed their opponents to score three goals. The Lakers average 19 shots per game with 47% of them on target and do a good job capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The team's hard work and dedication have been appreciated as the Lakers moved up to the fourth spot in the national ranking by United Soccer Coaches.
3. Individual Success
Sean Kerrigan has led the charge for the Lakers with 11 goals and five assists this season, helped by Nic Münch who has six goals and recorded five assists. Dylan Sumner's playmaking has created many scoring situations for the Lakers as he leads the team in assists with eight while also scoring four goals. Lockie Fay had a very productive week as he scored two goals against Shepherd and followed that with an important goal against Gannon on his way to being named the PSAC West Athlete of the Week for his outstanding performance on the field. He was joined by Jonathan Gomes as he received PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Week award. Gomes played over 900 minutes this season and allowed only one goal. Moreover, he has recorded ten clean sheets and his leadership has been key to the team's success.
4. History Lesson
The Lakers have never lost to Cal (Pa.) before as they have beaten them nine times and tied thrice. In the last matchup against the Vulcans, Mercyhurst dominated the match, winning by a score of 5-0. Münch open the floodgates as he scored the first goal in the fourth minute of the match and Guilherme de Lima Cunha followed that with his goal in 35th minute. Ryan Lieser, Tom Barry, and Sean Kerrigan also scored one goal each.
5. Scouting The Opponents
The Vulcans come into the Saturday game with a 3-7-1 overall record, as they lost one game this week against Shippensburg. Kobe Norfleet leads the team with two goals and two assists for the season and is helped by Jake Nebiski with one goal and two assists. Throughout eleven games the Vulcans scored only nine goals and allowed 25.
