Box Score
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Opening their 2016 campaign in non-conference action, the Notre Dame College men's soccer team played host to the visiting Mercyhurst Lakers on Thursday afternoon at Mueller Field. After the Falcons won two of the previous three matchups with the Lakers, Mercyhurst evened the score with a 2-1 win over Notre Dame on Thursday.

The visiting Lakers scored first and did so early in the match, using a first minute goal from Thom Derks to take the early 1-0 lead.

Physical play was the theme of the first half, and for much of the game, as both sides battled back and forth for positioning. The Falcons created offensive chances throughout much of the first half, but were unable to convert early on.

As the first half began to wind down, the Falcons' offensive aggressiveness paid off as Leonardo Paiva earned a penalty kick after a yellow card was assigned to Mercyhurst's Mark Roche. Paiva proved clutch, converting on the penalty kick opportunity to tie the score at 1-1 in the 41st minute.

Paiva's goal led to a tie score at half, with both sides locked in a 1-1 battle going into the second half.

The physical play continued in the second half, and both sides fought to break the deadlock score. However, it was the Lakers who struck first in the second half, using a 64th minute goal from Jorge Gonzalez to take a 2-1 lead over the host Falcons.

Both sides remained relatively even in shots throughout the game (Mercyhurst 17, Notre Dame 15), but unfortunately the Falcons were unable to find the equalizing goal in the second half, falling short by a final score of 2-1.

With the loss, the Falcons fall to 0-1 on the season. However, the Falcons will have a quick turnaround as they prepare for another non-conference battle with the visiting Gannon Golden Knights on Sunday, Sept. 4.

The match is scheduled for a 2 pm start time at Mueller Field.