KIRTLAND, Ohio – Lakeland Community College men's soccer was able to get a late goal by Brendon Mullen with less than 10 minutes remaining to secure a 2-1 victory over Mercyhurst North East and claim the championship of the 45th Annual Lakeland Soccer Tournament Sunday afternoon.
Mullen supplied both goals for the Lakers, who improved to 4-2-0 with the win, and claim the championship in their own tournament. Lakeland is currently 2-2-0 in Region XII play.
Carlos Pesso fired eight shots at the Mercyhurst goal and came up empty but he was able to supply the assists on both of Mullen's goals.
Pesso fed Mullen early on as the duo teamed up for a strike that resulted in a goal in just the second minute to take a 1-0 lead. That would be the final goal scored in the half but the Lakers threatened until the halftime whistle.
Lakeland had eight quality shots in the first half but could only come away with one goal. In the second half, Mercyhurst was able to strike in the 66th minute to level the game at 1-1.
Pesso came on in the second half to provide a spark for the Lakers and again found Mullen racing ahead for a goal in the 82nd minute that proved the game- and tournament-winner.
Lakeland had five players named to the all-tournament team. Keeper Aaron Hafer only gave up one goal in 180 minutes of soccer and was an all-tournament team selection. Pesso scored three goals and assisted on four and was named all-tournament and most valuable player for the tournament.
Olivier Fevrier Sildor scored two goals and earned two assists to earn a spot on the all-tournament team and was also named best halfback of the tournament. Ivan Matkovic assisted on one goal and was a force on Lakeland's defense that allowed just one goal in 180 minutes to earn all-tournament team. Mullen scored five goals in two tournament games and was named to the all-tournament team.
Lakeland will get back into Region XII play on Wednesday, Sept. 13 with a road trip to face Cuyahoga Community College at 4 p.m.
For more information about Lakeland athletics, visit www.athletics.lakelandcc.edu.
About Lakeland Community College
Founded in 1967, Lakeland Community College was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to our mission, Lakeland provides quality learning opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the community.
Offering day, evening, weekend and online classes, the college serves more than 10,800 credit and 2,800 noncredit students (2016). For more information about the College, visit www.lakelandcc.edu.
