Erie, Pa. – The second ranked team in the country proved why many are tipping them for a second consecutive national final as they cruised past #9 Mercyhurst to start the 2015 campaign.
 
After early exchanges, it took UC just 15 minutes to open the scoring as they were awarded a penalty kick when Mercyhurst's Thomas Davis handled a ball in the area denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. Davis received only a yellow card meaning the Lakers were fortunate to continue with 11 men. Nevertheless, the MEC Freshman of the Year and All-American, Will Roberts capitalized, slotting the ball home neatly from 12 yards.
 
The Golden Eagles continued to dominate, and it was the guile of freshman Patrick Guier who created the next goal, slipping the ball through to Augusto Maciel, who confidently finished the chance carrying on his goal scoring form from last season. Play was stopped after 67 minutes for a lightening delay, but as play resumed UC continued where they left off, nullifying any Lakers threat allowing Mercyhurst only two shots at Veit's goal.
 
It was Renan Ramos after 80 minutes who capped off a superb performance with an excellent individual goal. Ramos received a pass from Lewis Osborne on the left hand side of the penalty area, cut inside onto his favored right foot and whipped the ball into the top right corner from 25 yards out. Nichols Smith, the Lakers goalkeeper, could only helplessly stand and watch as the ball nestled into the top right stanchion.
 
It was a familiar feel for UC, leaving the field with both Maciel and Roberts on the score sheet and a clean sheet for Veit, thanks to a solid performance from the UC defense. A great all round team performance with everyone contributing off the bench. The Golden Eagles face Gannon on Sunday to try and gain momentum before the Mountain East Conference opener on Tuesday.