Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (9/4/2026) – A first-half goal from junior midfielder
Gunnar Christensen (Finksburg, Md.) and a shutout performance from junior goalkeeper
Cody Sell (Souderton, Pa.) propelled the Gwynedd Mercy University (1-1) men's soccer team to its first victory of the 2026 season, as the Griffins defeated Keystone College (0-2), 1-0, Friday afternoon at the Athletic Complex.
Griffin Highlights:
- Gwynedd Mercy wasted little time establishing its attack, with Christensen generating the Griffins' first opportunity just over five minutes into the contest. His attempt went wide right before he created another chance in the 17th minute, sending a shot high.
- The Griffins' pressure eventually paid off at 26:46. Junior defenseman Dominic Lodise (Bensalem, Pa.) helped set up Christensen, who finished the opportunity for his first goal of the season and gave Gwynedd Mercy the 1-0 advantage. Christensen nearly doubled the lead just over two minutes later, forcing Keystone goalkeeper into a save.
- Gwynedd Mercy continued to push forward and earned a corner kick from senior forward Thomas Watkins (Morrisville, Pa.) in the 34th minute. On the opposite end, Sell kept Keystone off the scoreboard with his first save of the afternoon at 41:13, allowing the Griffins to carry their one-goal advantage into halftime.
- The second half became a test for Gwynedd Mercy's defensive unit as Keystone increased its offensive pressure, but the Griffins protected their advantage throughout the final 45 minutes. Keystone produced seven second-half shots and five corner kicks, but Gwynedd Mercy's back line and Sell refused to surrender the equalizer.
- Christensen provided the difference offensively, finishing with a game-high four shots, two shots on goal, and the game-winning goal. Junior midfielder Ryan Burns (Jenkintown, Pa.) accounted for Gwynedd Mercy's other shot, while Lodise recorded the assist on the lone tally.
- Sell was perfect between the posts, playing all 90 minutes and recording three saves for the clean sheet. The Griffin defense limited Keystone to only three shots on goal despite facing 11 total attempts, preserving the one-goal advantage from Christensen's first-half finish.
Gwynedd Mercy is back in action on Wednesday, September 9, when the team travels to Delaware Valley University with a scheduled 7:00 p.m. kickoff.
