Penn State men's soccer defeats Mercyhurst 3-2 in season opener

Penn State men’s soccer opened its 2026 season with a 3-2 comeback victory over the Mercyhurst Lakers at Jeffrey Field. The win marks a successful debut for new head coach Rob Dow, who becomes the first Penn State men’s soccer coach to win a season opener since 2010.

Mercyhurst took an early lead following a penalty kick converted by Alvar Silva in the eighth minute. The Lakers also capitalized on a turnover to establish a 2-0 advantage within the first 21 minutes. Penn State responded by controlling possession and increasing pressure, recording 16 corner kicks during the match.

The Nittany Lions secured the win through three unanswered goals. Joe Sheridan scored an equalizer off a corner kick, and the team eventually secured the lead following a Mercyhurst own goal. The match was also influenced by a VAR-assisted red card issued to Mercyhurst in the 51st minute.