Jake Lowry photo: Martinez was selected as PSAC player of the week for his performance against West Chester University of Pennsylvania and East Stroudsburg University matches.

With a 5-2 lead on their season so far, and being undefeated (2-0) in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, the Mercyhurst men’s soccer team is determined to make this season yet another success by heading to the NCAA tournament.

Junior Fernando Martinez received the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Player of the Week award for his efforts against West Chester University of Pennsylvania and East Stroudsburg University.

“It’s nice to be named but actually being PSAC player of the week does not mean anything, this is a team sport, so no one can do nothing by themselves, the team does good, not just one player,” Martinez said.

Martinez so far leads the Lakers with having the most total points scored of 17, and shots on goal per game of 30 along with three assists and seven total goals.
“I would say our biggest goal this year is reaching the final game in the NCAA tournament since we know we are capable of going to the final,” Martinez said.

With an eventful win 2-0 against University of District of Columbia Firebirds on Monday, the Lakers seem to only be improving as the season continues on.

The Lakers defense held off the Firebirds by allowing only a total of twelve shots through Mercyhurst had 20 attempted shots and continues their streak of outshooting every opponent this season so far.

“I think we have had a good start of season. We have won five games and lost two games which in my opinion we did not deserve to lose. It’s early and we are still trying to click together at the fullest each game, but I feel each game we look better as a team,” Martinez said.

Some other players to look out for are: goaltender Mikko Sarkkinen who has been holding strong all season, with yet another shutout against the Firebirds on Monday. Along with freshmen Danny Deakin and Jake Watson who are making their names known at the collegiate level.

“We have some excellent and talented freshmen that didn’t have any problem adapting to this level of soccer. They know the sacrifice and dedication they have to put each training session and each game so we are happy with the help they are giving the team,” Martinez said.

The Lakers will host two PSAC conference games this upcoming weekend on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 against Shippensburg University and Millersville University. Kick-off for each game begins at 4:30 p.m.