ERIE – A score from Jack Watson in the 36th minute turned out to be the difference as Mercyhurst dropped the Bloomsburg University men's soccer team, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon in a battle of regionally ranked teams.

Mercyhurst, ranked second in the Atlantic Region and No. 14 in the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) Top 25, moves to 10-2 on the year and 4-1 in the PSAC while Bloomsburg, ranked fourth in the region, is now 6-3-2 and 4-2-0 in conference action. After Saturday's play both teams have 12 conference points to sit atop the PSAC standings.

Bloomsburg got on the board first in just the sixth minute. Mike Bamford (Doylestown/Central Bucks West) started the scoring play with a throw in to Austin Transue (Langhorne/Neshaminy) who crossed ahead to Nick Izzo (Frankford, DE/Indian River). Izzo finished by beating the Lakers keeper to the upper right of the net for an early 1-0 lead and his third goal of the season.

The advantage was short-lived, however, as the Lakers immediately answered less than two minutes later. Danny Deakin tallied his sixth score of the year unassisted with a strike from 20 yards out for the tie.

Watson's 12th goal of the year would be the difference maker. He took a cross from Sten Marcson in front of the net and was able to find the back of the net at 35:22 for the 2-1 lead.

Mercyhurst was able to control much of the second half and maintain its slim edge by finishing with a 19-7 lead in shots.

Jared Ott (Philadelphia/Archbishop Ryan) was again solid in net for the Huskies as the freshman keeper finished with six saves.

Ryan Arvin earned the win by making two saves for Mercyhurst.

Bloomsburg returns to action by hosting non-conference Queens on Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. inside Steph Pettit Stadium.