Erie, PA — The Mercyhurst Men's Soccer team is set to play their home opener this Wednsesday, August 31^st against Lock Haven. The Lakers then host Ashland on Saturday under the lights at 7 PM.
 
 

1. History Lesson

The matchup with Lock Haven is set to be the first one since 2018 season. Last time both teams played each other Mercyhurst won 4-3. Moreover, the Lakers won the last seven games against Lock Haven.
 
The last time Mercyhurst played Ashland was in 2012 season. The Eagles won that game 1-0. The Lakers last beat Ashland 3-0 in 2011 season before the Lakers joined the PSAC.
 

2. Great Start

The Lakers come back home from the east coast road trip with a 2-0 record. They won both games, scored nine goals, and allowed just one goal.
 
They dominated their opponents on both sides of the pitch. The Lakers created multiple scoring opportunities and capitalized plenty of times. Sean Kerrigan has four goals this season which leads the PSAC. Jorge Tallada Torres scored twice whileNic Münch has one goal and one assist. Dylan Sumner and Ryan Lieser both recorded two assists.
 
The Mercyhurst defense did not allow their opponents get close to the goal. Both opponents only took five shots on target in two games. Martin Grzywa and Axel Aronsson were the key to good performance on that side of the pitch. Jonathan Gomes had four saves and recorded his first clean sheet this season.
 
 

3. Individual Success 

Kerrigan's good play was appreciated as he has been selected PSAC West Athlete of the Week, which is his first time winning this award this season. His best highlight of the road trip came in the game against Georgian Court University. Kerrigan scored a beautiful free kick as he curved the ball to the left, giving the goalkeeper no chance to reach it.
 
 

4. Off and Running

The last time Mercyhurst started their season with two wins happened in the 2011 season. The Lakers went on to win first five games and qualify to NCAA National Tournament that season. Mercyhurst hopes to keep the momentum going and repeat the success of the 2011 season.
 
 

5. Scouting the Opponents

Lock Haven is coming off of a great season in 2021. With the 13-4-2 record, they ensured number one seed in PSAC East. However, the Eagles have already lost two games this season. They fell to Notre Dame College (OH) and California University (PA), both games ended by the score of 1-0.
 
Ashland went 5-8-4 in 2021 and didn't make the playoffs. Just one of the three top scorers returns. After scoring five goals Haruki Kimura is set to lead the Eagles offense. Ashland started their season with a tie against Millersville University, the team that knocked Mercyhurst out of the PSAC Tournament a year ago.
 
 
 
The Lock Haven game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31^st with a kick-off set for 4:00 pm. The match against Ashland will take place on Saturday, September 3^rd at 7:00 pm.