Erie, Pa - The 12th ranked Mercyhurst Men's Soccer team takes on Daemen University on Wednesday, September 14th. They are scheduled to open up PSAC play this Saturday, September 17th, with a game against California (PA).
 
History Lesson
The matchup with Daemen is set to be the last test before the Lakers enter conference play. The last time these teams faced off was in September last year, Mercyhurst won by a score of 4-1. Nic Münch and Dylan Sumner scored in that game. The Lakers have never lost against Daemen, and all three games they played ended in decisive victories.
 
Mercyhurst takes on Cal (PA) as their first PSAC West opponent this season. The Lakers have never lost to the Vulcans before, they recorded eight wins and three ties.
 
Continued Success
The Lakers had a great start to the 2022 season with five wins and one tie. Their performance earned them fourth place in the ranking by United Soccer Coaches, their highest position since 2011. In just six games, the Lakers scored 18 goals, with 13 of them assisted. They have been an offensive force so far and average 15 shots a game, with 48% of them on target.

In the new poll the United Soccer Coaches updated their top 25 of the season. After being ranked fourth in the previous poll, Mercyhurst with 5-0-1 record fell couple spots to the 12th place in the country. This is still one of the highest the Lakers have been ranked since 2011 season.
 
Individual Success
Sean Kerrigan has led the charge for the Lakers during the 2022 campaign. He scored another two goals last week. Of the 18 goals, seven were scored by Sean Kerrigan. He also recorded three assists, the second highest number on the team behind Sumner's five. Martin Grzywa scored his second goal of the season last Saturday and Tom Barry scored his first of the season.
 
Defense Wins Games
The Lakers defense has been a key to good performance this season. While they take 15 shots per game, their opponents only average six. The Lakers allowed only three goals in six games so far. Players like Ryan Lieser, Grzywa, and Axel Aronsson ensure that the opponents don't create scoring situations and put pressure on the ball so that opponents don't feel comfortable dribbling. Jonathan Gomes recorded two clean sheets and allowed only one goal up to this point of the season.
 
Scouting The Opponents
Daemen started the 2022 season with a record of 2-1-1. The Wildcats welcomed a plethora of new faces this season. Freshman Riccardo Boscolo Bachetto already scored three goals for them and is the top scorer on that team.
 
The Vulcans come into the game with a 1-2-1 record. After a disappointing start, they are looking to get their second win of the season. They are trying to incorporate young players and find their identity on offense. Brady Olsen is a freshman, but he leads the team in points with one goal and one assist.
 
 
The Lakers are scheduled to play Daemen University at home on Wednesday, September 14th under the lights of Saxon Stadium at 7:30 pm. They are set to travel to California, PA on Saturday, September 17th to take on Cal-U at 3:30 pm.