ERIE, Pa. - Bill Colton recorded a hat trick as the Mercyhurst men's soccer team eliminated Gannon from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) post-season picture with a 5-1 victory Saturday night at a rainy Gannon University Field.

Mercyhurst led 2-0 at the intermission following first-half goals from Colton and Nicholas Thompson. Gannon produced a short rally, cutting the deficit in 2-1 on Afrim Latiti's (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) eighth goal of the season 4:43 into the second half. Sean Washek (Fairview, Pa./Cathedral Prep) assisted on the play.

However, the visitors regained control late in the match and iced the victory with three scores in the final 16:59. Colton increased the lead to 3-1 in the 74th minute and netted the Lakers' fifth goal with 22 seconds left in regulation. Colton's two second-half tallies sandwiched an Austin Solomon score in the 77th minute.

Gannon out-shot Mercyhurst 18-15 and held a 5-3 edge in corner kicks. Steven Boehmer (Dayton, Ohio/Carroll) recorded four saves during the final home match of his collegiate career. Diego Gustin turned away eight shots for the Lakers.

Gannon dropped to 6-9-2 overall and 3-4 in the PSAC West. Mercyhurst improved to 13-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play. The Golden Knights conclude the 2009 season Saturday, October 31 at Slippery Rock. Game time is scheduled for 12 noon.

For a complete box score from Saturday's Gannon-Mercyhurst men's soccer match, please click here.