Erie, PA - The Mercyhurst Men's Soccer team remains unbeaten in conference play as they shutout the Saint Francis Red Flash 3-0. Saint Francis had not lost a regular season conference matchup in their last 16 matches. However, a
Dylan Sumner hat trick ended that record to keep the Lakers at the top of the NEC men's soccer rankings.
How it Happened
The match began fairly even as both teams tried to generate offensive play. The Lakers first big chance came in the 17th minute when
Carver Tierney found
Dylan Sumner to put the Lakers up 1-0. This goal seemingly built up the Lakers confidence and momentum as the match progressed.
Luis Felipe Santos then had a few chances on frame in the first half. However, goalkeeper Niclas Becker was able to prevent the Lakers from adding to their lead in the first half.
Shortly after both teams came back on for the second half, the energy was certainly there. Anyone who has watched Mercyhurst all season knew that they have excelled in the second half as of late. They dominated possession and prevented Saint Francis from creating any real threat to
Danilo Abayo in net. A second goal for the Lakers would surely be debilitating for the Red Flash who desperately needed an equalizer.
In the 56th minute,
Luis Felipe Santos received the ball in the final third, dribbled a bit, and layed the ball off to
Dylan Sumner who smashed the ball into the top right corner of the goal to put the Lakers up 2-0. They would continue to carry this confidence going forward as they calmly passed all around Saint Francis' players. The Red Flash made a few substitutions, tried to generate some offense, but the Mercyhurst back line of
Mario Ganser,
Benjamin Buckley,
Kyle Halehale, and
Asher Johnson stayed compact the entirety of the match.
Those who thought
Dylan Sumner's day was over were certainly wrong as he found himself open in the penalty area yet again. Sumner received this ball in the remaining five miniutes of the match and slotted it home to complete his hat trick. He helped lift the Lakers to victory as they defeated Saint Francis 3-0.
Highlights
Dylan Sumner scored all three goals.
Dylan Sumner scored his sixth goal of the season and 36th of his career.
Dylan Sumner accounted for all the Lakers' goals for the second match in a row.
Danilo Abayo picked up his fourth shutout of the season.
Austin Solomon's side picked up their fourth shutout and sixth win of the season as they improve to 6-5.
Up Next
The Lakers will travel to Philadelphia as they play Temple University this coming Tuesday. Kickoff for that match is set for 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Viewers can find live coverage on ESPN+.
