COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican men's soccer team dropped its first match of the season, falling to Mercyhusrt, 3-1.

With the loss the Panthers fall to 3-1-0 overall while the Lakers improve to 4-1-0.

Mercyhurst came into the preseason ranked sixth in nation before falling out of the top 25 after recording a loss last week. The Panthers came into the week ranked 14th nationally.

Senior Jakob Szabo (Worthington, OH) scored the lone goal for ODU off a pass from the center of the field from sophomore Tanner Ebright (Pickerington, OH).

The first half saw an open game with both teams creating chances to score on breakaways. The first goal of the match was scored by Jack Watson who beat the keeper off a pass from Danny Deakin.

The Panthers were able to answer the Laker goal with the one by Szabo in the 41st minute to tie the game 1-1 before the half.

In the second half, the Lakers were able to record a goal from Fernando Martinez in the 57th minute and an additional goal in the 84th minute by Watson. Watson ended the game with five points, two goals and one assist.

Overall, the Panthers were outshot 14-9 by Mercyhurst, with ODU recorded four shots on goal. Ebright led the team with 4 shots, one on net, while Szabo had both of his shots on goal. Junior Justin Alexander (Reynoldsburg, OH) was able to make seven saves on the 10 shots on goal taken by the Lakers.

The Black and Gold will be back in action next weekend when they host GLIAC rival, Tiffin on Friday evening. Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

Contact: Tyler Jester

jestert@ohiodominican.edu