Erie, Pa – Second-ranked Mercyhurst Men's Soccer travels to Bloomsburg, Pa. to compete in the PSAC Tournament's semifinals to start their postseason run. The Lakers are set to face PSAC East opponents East Stroudsburg this Friday, November 4th, with the kick-off scheduled for 5:30 PM.
1. Making History
The Lakers come off a historic regular season as they set multiple records on their way to the top spot in PSAC West and second place in the national ranking by USCA. They are still undefeated with 17 wins and one tie on the year, breaking the program's record for the most games played without a loss. It's also the first undefeated regular season in the program's rich history as the Lakers finished the conference play with 10-0 record, sealing the deal with 4-0 victory over Slippery Rock last weekend. They allowed only three goals on the season which broke the school's record for the fewest goals given up in the regular season, showing stellar defense. The Lakers took care of business in PSAC play, as they haven't allowed a single goal in the conference part of the season and recorded the longest clean-sheet streak ever at 13.
2. History Lesson
Mercyhurst hasn't won a PSAC semifinal since 2016 when they prevailed against Seton Hill in an overtime battle won by a score of 3-2. They went on to win the PSAC Championship that year, after defeating Millersville by a score of 2-1. The Lakers are looking to repeat that achievement, as the memory of losing in the semifinal is still fresh in their minds. In the last year's PSAC Tournament, Mercyhurst was defeated by Millersville after an intense match ending with a score of 2-0.
3. The Irish Sensation
Sean Kerrigan has led the charge on the offensive side of the pitch with 18 goals on the year which puts him second in the country. His outstanding performance was a big part of the team's success in their 2022 campaign as he is just six goals away from tying the program's record for the most goals scored in one season. He's had many highlight moments on the year, capitalizing on set pieces and beating his defenders multiple times. He is the first player in Mercyhurst history to record back-to-back hat tricks after doing so against Seton Hill and UPJ. He netted three goals in the game against the Griffins and followed that with another great performance against UPJ where he scored three more goals. Kerrigan also has seven assists on the year, which makes him third on the team in that category, behind Nic Münch and Dylan Sumner.
4. Wall Of Gomes
Jonathan Gomes is the key on the defensive side of the pitch. He is having one of the best seasons in the program's history, full of spectacular saves and solid performances. Gomes has not allowed a goal in a game since the season opener against Goldey-Beacom back on the 26th of August. He is one of the main reasons behind the longest clean-sheet streak in Mercyhurst's history. Gomes' one goal allowed is the fewest in the PSAC and the NCAA with his .07 goals against average also coming in atop the leaderboards. His 15 shutouts also lead the conference and nation, putting him squarely in the driver's seat for the best goalie in NCAA DII.
5. Scouting The Opponents
East Stroudsburg is coming into the Friday game with 8-8-3 record, as they defeated West Chester in the first round of the PSAC Tournament after an intense battle that ended with a penalty shootout. The Warriors are a well-balanced team with a combination of younger players and more experienced ones. 10 players have scored at least one goal for them this season, with four scoring three goals each. The Lakers are hoping to extend their winning streak and continue their undefeated season with another win on Friday for a chance to play in the PSAC Championship.
