LORETTO, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team played the final game of their eight-game road stretch. The score was 0-0 at halftime with the Lakers closing in on a go-ahead goal. However, the Red Flash found their goal early in the second half and outlasted the Lakers 1-0. 
 
The first half began with Mercyhurst (0-6-3, 0-1-1 NEC) defending. Gonzalo Onrubia, coming off of a nine-save clean sheet against LIU, made an early save. The Lakers responded offensively with Marcel Duffau and Alvar Silva each testing the Red Flash (2-6-1, 2-0-0 NEC).  Despite a few opportunities, the Lakers were unable to capitalize on their chances as they continued to sustain pressure from SFU. 
 
As the half progressed, a series of fouls and offsides interrupted play. Mercyhurst continued to apply pressure, highlighted by two late corner kicks. They also had a disallowed goal due to an offside call. Neither side could find they back of the net as the half ended 0-0.
 
The second half began with Saint Francis finding their go-ahead goal in the 51st minute. Mercyhurst responded with attempts to level the score, including a saved shot by Aiden Williams McCracken and another by Benjamin Buckley in the 69th minute. Despite their efforts, including a shot from Santiago Bustamante that went wide, the Lakers could not find the back of the net.
 
Saint Francis thought they doubled their lead, but the offside flag went up and allowed the Laker's to catch their breath. Defensively, Onrubia made crucial saves, including a big one in the 79th minute. Saint Francis maintained their advantage through the end of the half, earning a 1-0 victory.
 
The Lakers will host Howard this Sunday, Oct. 5 as they celebrate senior day and the program's 50th anniversary. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m.