ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team hosted Cleveland State in their final nonconference game of the season. The match was 0-0 at halftime with just a few chances for either side. The second half featured four goals in 26 minutes in what ended up being a 2-2 draw.  
 
The match commenced with both teams looking to establish early control. Mercyhurst (1-8-4, 1-3-1 NEC) found themselves defending early on. Gonzalo Onrubia made a crucial save against in the 16th minute to keep things level. The Laker's offensive efforts included shots by Tyler Prex and Sergio Sanchez, though neither found the target. Santiago Giraldo also attempted a shot late in the half but missed out right. Cleveland State (5-2-6, 3-0-3 HL) pushed forward with multiple corner opportunities, but the Lakers' defense held firm, with Onrubia making another key save. The first half ended 0-0 with one of the biggest highlights being Ryan Mrvcic's sliding effort to shut down one of the Viking's breakaways.  
 
The second stanza began with the Vikings taking an early lead in the 56th minute. The Lakers responded in the 72nd minute. Here, Giraldo received a pass from Angelo Ginocchi and slotted the ball under the keeper's arms to tie the game at one. This marked Giraldo's first goal of the season. Moments later, the Lakers were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area outside the 18. Benjamin Buckley stepped up and fired a rocket into the top left corner to give the Laker's their first lead of the evening. The Vikings then found an equalizer of their own in the 80th minute. Despite late attempts, the final nonconference match of the season for both sides ended 2-2.
 
Up next, the Lakers will travel to Chicago State to resume conference play. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. CT/2:00 p.m. ET.