LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – They played for 110 minutes, but neither team could earn the win as the Lock Haven University men’s soccer team (6-4-2, 2-1-1 PSAC West) tied No. 7 Mercyhurst University (6-1-2, 1-1-2 PSAC West) 1-1, in what quickly became a new and exciting Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West rivalry.

It was the first time the two teams have met since Mercyhurst, ranked number-seven nationally entered the PSAC.

The match was an absolute thriller from the start, as the rivalry was born in an all out physical battle.

Lock Haven’s last meeting with a top-10 team was a good one for Bald Eagles fans and it looked as if history may repeat itself this evening at Hubert Jack Stadium.

LHU’s last meeting with a top-10 team came in 2005, when the Bald Eagles downed No. 9 East Stroudsburg 2-1.

The score was deadlocked at 0-0 after an opening 45 minutes of play that saw both squads nearly put one home.

Sophomore forward Martin Pletz (Pittsburgh/Carlynton) had several tremendous opportunities to put LHU up in the first 25 minutes of play, but just couldn’t sneak the ball past Mercyhurst goalie Danny Mudd.

The scoreless tie was finally broken in the 51st minute and The Haven held that lead until late.

Lock Haven went up 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick that Andrew Clemens (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) converted. The referee awarded the penalty in the 51st minute after Pletz was dragged down the box.

Clemens left no doubt, as he neatly tucked the ball home giving LHU the crucial one-goal lead at home.

LHU looked poised for the upset as it held the lead until late, but Mercyhurst tied the match in the 70th minute on a Ryan Florian goal.

With 15 minutes to go in regulation freshman Kevin Wolfe (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) drilled one off the crossbar.

Both teams had good chances to score in overtime.

LHU goalie Billy Trimble (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) was forced to make a game-saving stop with less than 1:30 to go in the first overtime.

In the second overtime LHU continued to press much to the delight of the home crowd, but couldn’t find the game-winner.

Trimble finished with six saves.

The Bald Eagles are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. when they play host to local rival Bloomsburg University.