ERIE, Pa. – The Notre Dame College men's soccer team started the season off strongly with a 1-0 victory over nationally ranked Mercyhurst. Both the Falcons and the Lakers were ranked in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Continental Tire NCAA Division II preseason rankings, with the Lakers coming in at No.4 and the Falcons at No.25.

Senior midfielder Tom Owens was the lone goal scorer with a direct free kick. Owens snuck his free kick round the wall and into the bottom left-hand corner at the 40:08 mark. Owens continues his goal scoring form from last season, in which he racked up 12 goals for the Falcons.

The victory for the Falcons was not only significant due to the Lakers ranking but also significant as the Lakers are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) making them an in-region opponent for the Falcons this year.

The Falcons (1-0) have now won seven straight season openers, dating back to the 2006 season.

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