Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (10/3/2026) – Gwynedd Mercy University (1-9-1, 0-1 AEC) controlled much of Saturday's afternoon's Atlantic East Conference (AEC) opener, holding significant advantages in shots and corner kicks, but the Griffins were unable to capitalize in a narrow 1-0 setback to Pratt Institute (2-5-1, 1-0 AEC) at the Athletic Complex. Gwynedd Mercy outshot the Cannoneers 19-6 and held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks. Senior midfielder
Luke O'Donnell (Glenside, Pa.) led the Gwynedd Mercy attack with a game-high seven shots, including two on goal.
Griffin Highlights:
- The Griffins established their attack immediately, earning a corner kick from junior midfielder Adam Leal (Jessup, Md.) just 1:22 into the contest. Junior midfielder Gunnar Christensen (Finksburg, Md.) followed with the game's first shot less than three minutes later before O'Donnell put an attempt on goal at 4:42, forcing Pratt's goalkeeper into an early save.
- Gwynedd Mercy continued controlling the attacking opportunities throughout the first half. Junior defender Andrew Leibig (Bensalem, Pa.) sent an attempt high in the 12th minute before junior defender Dominic Lodise (Bensalem, Pa.) had a shot blocked two minutes later. The Griffins earned three corner kicks within the opening 15 minutes while limiting Pratt to just two total shots during the entire first half.
- The Griffins produced another dangerous stretch late in the opening half. Junior defenseman Jack Barnett (Bensalem, Pa.) put an attempt on target at 37:42, and freshman defender Cillian Berkery (Philadelphia, Pa.) followed just 28 seconds later with another shot on goal.
- Gwynedd Mercy picked up where it left off after halftime. The Griffins earned three consecutive corner kicks between the 49th and 50th minutes, continuing to put pressure on Pratt's back line.
- The Griffin defense also kept the contest within reach. Junior goalkeeper Cody Sell (Souderton, Pa.) (1-5-1) played all 90 minutes and allowed just one goal while making two saves. The Cannoneers managed only six total shots and three shots on goal, while Gwynedd Mercy held Pratt without a corner kick until the 65th minute.
Gwynedd Mercy is back in action on Wednesday, October 7, when the team travels to AEC foe Centenary University (N.J.) with a scheduled 3:00 p.m. kickoff.
