Second-Half Surge Dooms Lakers Against Mount Mercy

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A strange five minutes doomed Roosevelt on Saturday afternoon in a 2-1 defeat against Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The Lakers (1-2-1) were on the back foot for much of the game, but were able to take the lead just past half an hour courtesy of Valerio Joos. The sophomore midfielder corralled the pass from Erik Hernandez and deftly shifted past a defender before unleashing a left-footed strike that curled past the goalkeeper. It proved to be the only shot Roosevelt would muster on goal in the game while sending its other seven attempts off-line.

Eric Carvajal found himself fairly busy in his first start of the season, making four saves on the six shots he faced. Mount Mercy peppered another eight shots off frame while also putting pressure on the Lakers defense with eight corner kicks. However, it was another type of set piece that cost Roosevelt in the match.

In the 62^nd minute, the Lakers were judged to have tripped a Mustangs attacker in the penalty box, and Mount Mercy converted to tie the game. Just 25 seconds of game time later, Lakers captain Alan Rubio was shown a red card, leaving Roosevelt down to 10 men for the third time in four regular-season games. Less than two minutes later, the Mustangs headed a cross off the post to Carvajal's left and slammed home the rebound for the winning score.

Joos had five of Roosevelt's eight shot attempts in the game as the Lakers struggled to build any type of offense. They did secure three corner kicks in the second half, but just one of them led to an attempt – when Joos' shot was blocked before reaching goal.

The Lakers return to the field Thursday in Arlington Heights when they welcome Campbellsville to Morris Field at 7 p.m.