It was already a playoff-type atmosphere in the battle of District 10 2A teams. The Lakers — out of Region 3 — improve to 3-0, and Region 4’s Warren is 0-1.

“We knew it would be a highly-spirited contest,” said Warren coach Denny Flatt. “Mercyhurst was up by 1-0 at the half. We fought back and tied the contest and took a 2-1 lead before they countered with two goals. A total of five goals were scored and four of them were set pieces, an indicator of how both teams were relentless on the field.”

Warren senior goalie Will Nebinski made sure the game stayed close with 21 saves, including stopping two penalty kicks.

“His first penalty kick save occurred during the first minute of the match, that set the tone for the game,” said Flatt. “Anyone who witnessed his play would agree he had an outstanding performance. I believe it was the best match he has ever had in net.”

Warren sophomore Gavin Rex, right, beats a Mercyhurst Prep player to the ball on Saturday during a 3-2 loss to the Lakers in Erie. Photo submitted to Times Observer

Down 1-0, Warren senior Jack Darling converted a corner kick from senior teammate Parks Ordiway to tie the score halfway through the second half. Less than two minutes later, Ordiway’s penalty kick gave Warren a 2-1 lead. Mercyhurst Prep continued to attack — Eric Gamboa scored two of Mercyhurst’s three goals in the game.

“The Lakers had already beaten two good teams by three goals each, so we knew they would be good,” said Flatt. “Once we settled in, we played pretty well for the first game of the season. We have players in new positions and there is always a learning curve. You only get better by playing good teams that expose your deficiencies. Those weaknesses were highlighted and we now have a baseline to work from.

“Our back line has not lost a beat from last year,” said Flatt. “They played exceptionally well and bailed us out of numerous offensive threats. Jack Darling, Ethan Best, Corbin Reinard and Chase Sitler are a formable back line. They played as a unit and their tactfulness caught the Lakers off side numerous times.

“Freshman midfielder Quin Norris had a solid game along with sophomore Gavin Rex,” added Flatt. “They were paired against some very experienced players and did a nice job. Senior Mark Lynds played his usual full-throttle style and left everything on the field. Dakota Sliter and Casey Rich turned in good performances at the winger position. Parks Ordiway, who led the district in points last year, attracted a lot of attention from the Lakers, but still found the back of the net and recorded an assist. Finn Ordiway made some nice runs and found space, but we did not capitalize on them.”

Warren’s junior varsity team lost 2-0 following the varsity contest.

Warren goalkeeper Will Nebinski makes one of his 21 saves on Saturday in a 3-2 loss at Mercyhurst Prep in Erie. Photo submitted to Times Observer