WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
>> Saint Francis earned its first shutout of the season, defeating Mercyhurst 1-0 in its 2025 NEC home debut.
>> Freshman Thero Mitchell III scored his second career goal, which stood as the game-winner. Carson Krushansky collected his first collegiate assist in the buildup, while Jonah Wolf recorded his second assist of the season with the decisive cross.
>>  Mitchell's strike marked the first home NEC goal of the season.

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
Six minutes into the second half, Saint Francis broke the deadlock. The attack began with Krushansky, who distributed the ball wide to Wolf. Wolf delivered a precise cross, and Mitchell finished with a clean header to give the Red Flash a 1-0 lead.

FLASH MOMENTS 
In the opening minute, Mitchell nearly found the back of the net after forcing a turnover, testing the Mercyhurst goalkeeper. He finished the day with three shots on goal, including the game-winning score.

Diego Garciarena made a key save in the 26th minute to keep the match scoreless.

Connor O'Keefe headed a strong corner in the 74th minute, forcing another crucial stop.

FLASH NUGGETS

Saint Francis used the same starting XI as in their first NEC match.

This was only the second meeting between the two programs.

NEXT ON TAP
Saint Francis returns home for back-to-back NEC matches, hosting LIU on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3:00 p.m. at Stokes Soccerplex in Loretto, Pa.