Box Score
After a season-opening win againt Ursinus, the Misericordia University men's soccer team couldn't overcome a sluggish first half, falling 4-0 against visiting Dickinson College Sunday at Mangelsdorf Field.
The loss drops the Cougars to 1-1 overall while the win propels the Red Devils to 2-0.
The Misericordia defense played valiantly, but the offense was unable to retain consistent possession and generate scoring chances. The Cougars were outshot in the first half, 14-4 and 21-12 for the game.
The Red Devils first goal came at 28:20 when Derek Kachudurian scored on a rebound attempt after an initial shot was taken by Javier Mena and saved by Cougar sophomore keeper Barry Fitzgerald.
Dickinson had another chance to capitalize just moments later after a Cougar turnover in the defensive zone but the shot was fired wide of Fitzgerald. However, the Red Devils capitalized before the end of the half, scoring with just under 13 minutes to play when Daniel Gaj put a header past Fitzgerald.
Misericordia came out with a boost of energy in the second half, registering three shots in the first minutes. The intensity continued to pick up 15 minutes into the half when the Cougars had their best scoring chance of the afternoon. Off a corner, Kevin Matlon put a perfect ball out front of the net, where it was headed by sophomore Derek Antonini. The attempt got past the Dickinson keeper, but was redirected by a Dickinson defender, who was behind the keeper and in front of the net.
The Cougars pursuit on the offensive end continued with just under 23 minutes to play when senior Nick Ferguson had a run at the net but was caught from behind and unable to get a clean shot off.
The Red Devils sealed the victory as Mena headed in the game's third goal and then the Devils converted their fourth goal off a corner when Danny Sheppard scored with just over five minutes to play.
Fitzgerald finished the day with six saves before being lifted for Billy Sopko.
Misericordia put five shots on goal for the day, including two from Antonini.
Misericordia is back in action on Sept. 4 when they travel to Gettysburg at 7 p.m.
