Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (9/12/2026) – The Gwynedd Mercy University (1-3) men's soccer team turned in a strong defensive first half and generated increased offensive pressure after the break in Saturday afternoon's 3-0 setback to Eastern University (2-0-2) at the Athletic Complex. Junior goalkeeper
Cody Sell (Souderton, Pa.) highlighted the Griffins' effort, keeping the Eagles off the scoreboard throughout the opening 45 minutes despite facing consistent pressure and finishing with a career-high 14 saves in the loss (1-3).
Griffin Highlights:
- The Griffin defense withstood the Eagles' attack as the half progressed. Sell denied multiple attempts in the 12th, 22nd, 32nd, and 36th minutes while also stopping Eastern University in the 28th. Offensively, senior midfielder Mel Velasquez (Philadelphia, Pa.) sent an attempt wide in the 30th minute before junior midfielder Gunnar Christensen (Finksburg, Md.) narrowly missed to the left in the 39th. Gwynedd Mercy's defensive effort ensured the match remained scoreless, heading into intermission.
- Gwynedd Mercy became more dangerous offensively in the second half, producing six shots after halftime compared to three in the opening period. Senior defenseman Axel Mayren (Atlantic City, N.J.) tested the Eagles keeper in the 53rd minute, but Eastern broke the deadlock moments later when Sievert scored at 53:04 to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
- The Griffins responded immediately. Christensen put a shot on goal at 54:35, forcing another save. Eastern was reduced to ten players following a red card at 58:43, and Mayren followed just seconds later with another shot on frame as Gwynedd Mercy searched for the equalizer.
- Christensen led the Griffin attack with three shots, including one on goal. Mayren finished with two shots and placed both on target, while sophomore forward Jackson Stuetz (Willow Grove, Pa.) also registered a shot on goal. Gwynedd Mercy totaled nine shots with four on target and produced six of those attempts during a more aggressive second half.
Gwynedd Mercy is back in action on Monday, September 14, when the team travels to Lancaster Bible College with a scheduled 4:30 p.m. kickoff.
