MEADVILLE, Pa.—The Allegheny College men's soccer team continued to have success finding the back of the net as they cruised to a 6-1 in over Pitt-Bradford in their home opener Thursday (Sept. 6).
 
Liam McKersie led the way for the Gator offense with a hat trick.
 
The Gators got off to a fast start.  Matt Massucci got off a shot off a Danny Reid pass, which was saved.  However, Massucci got to the rebound and found the back of the net.  The goal marked his second of the season.
 
Allegheny had a second chance in the 20^th minute after a Pitt-Bradford foul five yards outside the box.  However, the shot went wide. 
 
In the 22^nd minute, the Panthers tied it up as they earned a penalty kick after a Gator handball.  Ryuta Hayakawa converted the opportunity.
 
The Gators regained the lead in the 37^th minute.  Erik Orta threaded the needle on a lead pass through a pair of defenders to Kristian Snyder.  After a touch, Snyder snuck a low shot to the corner for his first goal of the season.
 
The momentum continued to sway in the favor of the Gators as McKersie scored on a second chance shot a couple yards out from net.
 
In the 68^th minute, the Gators extended their lead to 4-1.  Off a Reid corner kick, McKersie headed the ball for his second goal of the night.  Just minutes later, McKersie finished the hat trick on the same corner play from Reid.
 
In the final 20 seconds, Jesus Robledo snuck a pass through the defense to Snyder who beat the goalie for the final goal of the game.
 
In addition to McKersie's three goals, Snyder scored two while Massucci had one.  Reid had a pair of assists while Robledo and Orta also had one.
 
Cory Wiard picked up the win in net, making two saves.  Nick Ferreira also appeared in net, making two saves, including one on a penalty kick.
 
The Gators are back in action Saturday (Sept. 8) as they face Grove City College at home.  The match starts at 3 p.m.