PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- The Lake Erie men's soccer team hosted the University of Findlay Oilers today during senior day. After falling early 3-0, the Storm came back but fell just short, 3-2. The loss takes their record to 4-5-8 on the season and 4-5-4 in G-MAC competition.

Game Recap

The Oilers took a very early 2-0 lead after some miscues on the field. The first goal was scored in the 5th minute after a kick from Storm goalkeeper David Ruiz Ospina quickly found an Oiler and bounced over his head and rolled into the net.

About a minute later, a foul by the Storm led to a penalty kick for the Oilers and they took a 2-0 lead. This held for the remainder of the half and Lake Erie went into the locker room looking to have a big second half.

In the 72nd minute, the Oilers scored once again to take a 3-0 lead. With their backs against the wall, the Storm didn't let it phase them though and they punched back hard.

In the 78th minute, Benjamin Lerida found Cal Babiash who sent the ball into the back of the net on a header to put the Storm on the board. 

About seven minutes later, Babiash found Lerida this time for a score to bring Lake Erie within striking distance. Unfortunately, there was not enough time left and the game ended in a 3-2 loss for the Storm.

Despite the early deficit and the loss, the Storm were in control of the game most of the time. They drastically out shot the Oilers 18-8 in the game and controlled the ball in Oiler territory most of the contest.

Veljko Radovanovic led the team with five shots while Linus Oestlund, Ido Omaysi, Angel Murillo, and Lerida all had two apiece.

The Matchup
The loss now gives the Storm a 16-11-3 record all-time against the Oilers with their last win coming on October 11, 2023 on the road.

Looking Ahead
Lake Erie will conclude their regular season on Tuesday, November 4th at home against the Northwood Timberwolves at 7:00 p.m. With an Ohio Dominican loss tonight, the Storm have now secured a spot in the G-MAC Tournament with seeding to be determined still.