PAINESVILLE, Ohio – The Lake Erie men's soccer team opened the 2025 season with a thrilling matchup against the Gannon University Golden Knights. The two sides were evenly matched throughout, battling to a competitive 3-3 draw. After giving up the lead in the second half, the Storm rallied in the final minutes to secure the tie.

The night was a special one for Lake Erie and the campus community, as the contest marked the first-ever game played on the new on-campus turf field.

Gannon struck quickly, taking a 1-0 lead in just the second minute on a goal from Shota Toyama, assisted by Sverre Orten.

Lake Erie responded immediately. In the 7th minute, Nicolas Vagujhelyi found the back of the net to even the score. About 20 minutes later, Vagujhelyi struck again, this time off an assist from Dario Stadler, giving the Storm a 2-1 advantage. The tally also surpassed Vagujhelyi's goal total from all of 2024.

The Golden Knights answered before halftime, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 33rd minute on a goal by Enzo Rekka.

After a quiet start to the second half, Gannon capitalized on a chance to reclaim the lead. With time slipping away, it looked like the storm would open the season with a narrow defeat.But with under a minute left in regulation, a free kick created one last opportunity. Lucas Howe took advantage of the opportunity to tie the game 3-3, salvaging a hard-fought result for the Storm.

The tie marks a strong turnaround for Lake Erie, which dropped its 2024 season opener to Gannon by a 5-0 score.

The Storm will return to action on Sunday, September 7, when they host UIndy at 1 p.m.