NORTH EAST, Pa. – The Lakeland Community College men's soccer team was victorious today over Mercyhurst North East.

 The first half was a scoreless battle that saw each team have opportunities to take an early advantage.  The Lakers out shot the Saints 5-3 in the first half.  Lakeland also won the corner kick battle 3-1 in the first half.  The teams entered the half deadlocked at 0-0.

Angel Alvarez (Las Vegas, Nevada / Rancho High School) opening the scoring early in the second half when he found the back of the net off an assist by Khadim Mbaye (Dakar, Senegal / Sacre Coeur).  This was the first goal of Alvarez's career, and it gave the Lakers 1-0 lead.  After 20 minutes of scoreless action Lakeland added to their lead when Ivan Matkovic (Mentor, Ohio / Lake Catholic) calmly placed a penalty kick into the back of the net, to make the score 2-0.  Mercyhurst responded late with a goal but could not overcome the Lakers lead and fell 2-1.

Aaron Hafer (Painesville, Ohio / Riverside) was in net for the Lakers he faced six shots, five of which were on goal, made four saves and allowed only one goal. 

Lakeland will be back in action Saturday (Oct. 22) when they travel to take on Schoolcraft in their final game of the season.  The match is set to begin at 1 p.m.

-Lakers-