ERIE - Eisenhower beat Mercyhurst Prep two years ago in a 1-0 thriller, and the Knights want to get back to that level.
Thursday wasn't the day.
"I'm gonna say they were that good," said Eisenhower coach Mike Decker, whose Knights are 4-2 overall and 0-2 in a strong Region 3 - or in Decker's words, the strongest region in District 10. "We did not play our best and have a few guys playing through injury, but they just overpowered us."
Starting off with Ike facing a strong wind, the Lakers scored two quick goals and Eisenhower had difficulty matching Meryhurst's speed and size in a 7-0 loss at Veterans Stadium.
"Even though we gave up seven goals, Casey Vincent played very well in goal," said Decker. "He had 10 saves. They were threading the needle on shots - with only 17 shots on goal."
The Knights played much better in the second half, with tremendous efforts from Andy Decker and Ben Perkins, for example.
"I know we can do a better job," said Decker. "We need a little confidence and a few breaks. We play again on Monday (hosting Iroquois at 4 p.m.) and have a little time to heal here, and expect to play with much more intensity."