CHICAGO – The Mercyhurst men's soccer team traveled to the Windy City in search of their second NEC win at Chicago State. The Lakers scored on two corner kicks in the first five minutes to give them an early advantage. Alvar Silva had a career-high performance as he assisted the first two corners and netted a goal of his own all in the first half. The Cougars found one in the second half, but Ben Conti's late goal helped push the Lakers to a 4-1 win. 
 
Mercyhurst (2-8-4, 2-3-1 NEC) did not waste any time establishing their dominance. Alvar Silva sent in a beautiful, inswinging corner in the third minute that Benjamin Buckley headed into the roof of the net for an early lead.  Silva sent in another less than two minutes later from the same position. Sergio Sanchez smashed the ball off his head to double the Laker's lead. Chicago State (1-13-0, 1-5-0 NEC) had dug themselves a hole in the opening minutes.

The Lakers continued to control the game as they extended their lead to three in the 27th minute. Here, Angelo Ginocchi left the ball for Silva who added to his career-high day with a goal from just inside the penalty area. All of the Cougars attempts to respond were thwarted by Gonzalo Onrubia, who made several key saves. Santiago Giraldo almost made it four, but his goal was disallowed due to an offside call in the 38th minute. The half concluded with the Lakers holding a 3-0 lead.
 
The second half began with Chicago State attempting to shift momentum. Onrubia made another crucial save early in the half, preserving the lead. The Cougars managed to score in the 54th minute, narrowing the gap to 3-1. Mercyhurst responded effectively, with Ben Conti finding the net in the 83rd minute to regain their three-goal lead. The Lakers would hold on as they leave Chicago with a commanding 4-1 win in conference play. 
 
Mercyhurst will play again next Sunday, Nov. 2. Kickoff against CCSU is set for 3:00 p.m.