Nicolazzo leads Griffs to win over Mercyhurst

By: Ryan Patota, Sports Reporter

Sophomore Romero Nicolazzo’s pair of goals boosted Canisius over Mercyhurst in a 3–1 effort on Wednesday.

The beginning of the game did not start as strongly as Canisius had hoped for. Goalkeeper Dominic Dominguez drew a yellow card after running into a Mercyhurst player. The Lakers, who came into the game still looking for their first goal of the season, ended their search in the 13th minute off of the free kick awarded as a result of the Dominguez foul. 

The Griffs would respond in the 32nd minute of play as senior forward Glodie Mata forced a Lakers giveaway in their own zone and found Nicolazzo open in front of the net. “I was very excited when I scored. When I went on, I wanted to make an impact on my team, and seeing my teammates and coaches believe in me was great,” said Nicolazzo after the game. 

Sophomore midfielder Gianni Angaran gave the Griffs the lead on a penalty kick, burying his shot in the bottom right corner in the 42nd minute. Nicolazzo added an insurance goal just before halftime, running onto a through ball sent by Mata, who picked up his second assist of the game. 

The Griffs would hold onto their 3–1 lead, securing a win in their final non-conference game of the season. “I think the intensity and the work rate of this game and the lack of intensity in the previous games show us we need to continue to do a little more from tonight going forward,” explained Head Coach Michael Tanke after the game.

Men’s soccer looks to build off of their recent success as MAAC play begins against Rider in New Jersey on Saturday, with kickoff at noon.

Photo Courtesy of Lindy Feider