Griffs still seeking first win with lost to Mercyhurst
By Patrick Marek, Sports Reporter
The Canisius University men’s soccer team is still searching for its first win of the 2026 campaign after dropping a match to the Mercyhurst Lakers last Saturday.
Trailing 1–0 at the half, the Griffs struggled to produce opportunities, recording zero shots and corners in the frame. With the Lakers adding a tally in the 64th minute, senior captain AJ Zarcone cut the deficit in half less than four minutes later with a goal set up by sophomore Noah Baumslag. Mercyhurst ended Canisius’ hopes for a draw with a goal in the final five minutes of the match en route to a 3–1 victory.
The loss to the Lakers leaves the Griffs still winless on the year with Metro Conference play soon on the horizon. However, not all is lost as the group will like their chances matching up against the Division III Saint John Fisher Cardinals this Saturday at home. The Cardinals are also a side that has struggled to get out of the gate this season, falling to Hobart College and drawing to Oberlin College in their opening two matches. Both teams will be looking for their first respective victories, but for the home side, the match will hold an even greater importance.
Saturday's match will recognize the team's seniors, honoring their commitment and efforts to the program before the match. For a large group of players, including last match's goal scorer Zarcone, the pregame traditions are a show of appreciation to many of the team's current leaders. Perhaps an early-season Senior Day may be what spurs the Griffs into winning ways before their conference opener at Iona University on Sept. 19.
A step down in competition may also be a big opportunity for new players to audition for a starting role. In particular, junior Griffin Dehm, who, after making his first collegiate start over the weekend, will eye this game to cement his role within the squad. One could expect squad experimentation from Head Coach Michael Tanke, who undoubtedly will look forward to the opportunity to reinvent his squad after the team’s opening games.
The combination of Senior Day and four straight losses has turned an indiscreet lower division game into an early season must–win matchup. The Golden Griffins will take on the Cardinals on Saturday at 1 p.m in Buffalo, N.Y.
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