HOOKSETT, N.H. (Aug. 31, 2023) – Despite three saves from junior Eirik Elvestad (Oslo, Norway/Blindern VGS), the Mercy University men's soccer team opened their 2023 season with a 2-0 loss at Southern New Hampshire University on Thursday afternoon at Mark A. Ouellette Stadium.

The Mavericks (0-1) open their season with a loss for the first time since 2021, while the Penmen (1-0) begin their 2023 campaign with a win.

Elvestad made three saves to take the loss. Sophomore Johannes Hanken Tjostheim (Aalesund, Norway/Spring Hill College) had a game-high four shots on goal in his Mercy debut and junior Julian Holland (Tokyo, Japan/Iowa Western CC) also had a shot on goal in his Mercy debut.

Southern New Hampshire was led by Thore Ulstein and Isnaba Namusse who both scored goals. Jurgen Huber made a game-high five saves to earn the win.

The Penmen scored their first goal of the game in just the seventh minute of action to take a 1-0 lead. Namusse scored following an assist from Rafa Escobedo to give the hosts the early lead. Elvestad made two saves to keep it 1-0 and Hanken Tjostheim recorded the Mavericks first shot on goal in the 43rd minute but was denied by Huber to keep it 1-0. The Penmen headed into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

Elvestad made his final save of the game in the 52nd minute to keep the Mavericks within striking distance. Huber made four saves in the second half to keep the Mavericks off the scoreboard. Ulstein gave the Penmen an insurance goal in the 84th minute, off a Nicolas Gonzalez assist, to give Southern New Hampshire a 2-0 lead.

The Mavericks would not record a shot in the final seven minutes of the game, giving the Penmen the season-opening win.

Southern New Hampshire held a 16-8 edge in shots and shots on goal were tied at 5-5. Corner kicks were also tied at 4-4.

Head Coach Pedro Velazquez and the Mavericks resume action on Saturday, September 2nd when they host Saint Rose in their home opener at 3 p.m.