Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst Men's Soccer team is set to play their road opener this Wednesday, September 6th at 7:00 p.m. against Lock Haven. The Lakers will then travel to Ashland for a matchup on Saturday, September 9th at 3:00 p.m.
1. History Lesson
The Lakers defeated Lock Haven 1-0 and defeated Ashland 4-1 a year ago with both games being played in Erie. The Lakers lead the all-time series against Lock Haven 9-1-2, with the Lakers being on an eight-game winning streak against the Bald Eagles. Mercyhurst lead the all-time series against Ashland 2-1. They first played Ashland back in 2011 and then again in 2012 before going ten years without seeing each other until a year ago.
2. Great Start
The Lakers are off to a fast start once again this year, defeating Goldey-Beacom and Georgian Court to start the year 2-0. In game one the Lakers defeated Goldey-Beacom 6-0. This game saw the Lakers create a ton of scoring opportunities including four different Lakers getting in the scoring column. In his first game as a Laker, Andreas Rossak finished the game with a hat trick. Ryan Lieser, Luis Felipe Santos, and Mario Ganser all added a goal as well. Game two against Georgian Court was a close, scrappy game played by both sides. The Lakers stayed tough throughout the game and held off Georgian Court for a 2-1 win. Dylan Sumner got the Lakers on the board first with his first goal of the year, and Andreas Rossak found the back of the net once again for yet another goal.
3. Individual Success
With all the team success from the 2-0 start, there was one guy who stood out and was noticed for his play. Andreas Rossak was named PSAC West Athlete of the Week for his performance in the first two games. Rossak finished the first two games with four total goals, including a hat trick in the opening game of the season. What is most impressive is that these were his two games as a Laker. It's safe to say he has made an early impact for this squad.
4. Off and Running
The Lakers have started the year 2-0 in back-to-back years, defeated the same opponents in back-to-back years. They outscored their opponents 7-1 in the first two games. They look to continue their fast start this week and are looking to start the year 4-0 for the second straight year.
5. A Look at the Opponent
Lock Haven is coming off a 6-7-5 year in 2022. They started the 2023 season 0-0-1 with a tie against California (Pa). Ashland is coming off a 12-7-1 season that saw them win the Great Midwest Conference tournament and then eventually fall in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Parkside. They started the 2023 season 0-2 with losses to Charleston and Millersville.
