PAINESVILLE, Ohio – The men’s soccer sweep was complete for No. 1 seed Lake Erie following a regular season crown and a tournament title to punctuate the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday.
 
The Storm impressed every step of the way in the tournament bracket while ultimately coming out on top against No. 3 seed Ohio Dominican, 2-1.
 
It was a fierce battle in a wintery mix of weather at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium with all-conference talent all over the field at every position. Lake Erie had advanced to the championship game following a win on Thursday over Walsh while ODU had taken down No. 2 seed Cedarville in the semifinals.
 
This was a mission that head coach Louie Rolko, his staff and his program, were able to finish off in style following a remarkable 2019 campaign that included the No. 1 overall seed and hosting responsibilities in the regional, but the conference tournament championship trophy was missing.
 
The Storm have also been without the services of Great Midwest Offensive Player of the Year Ayden Von Essen due to an injury sustained in Wednesday’s practice, but simply have not missed a beat on either side of the ball.
 
On Saturday, it was Connor Mautino and Great Midwest Freshman of the Year Teddy Baker providing the offensive punch with a pair of goals scored in the first half.
 
The Panthers had their first team all-conference playmakers connect for a goal in the second half, Griffin Cook from Shingai Nindi, but the Storm were able to overcome a 16-7 shot differential in favor of ODU and secure the win on their home turf.
 
All-conference keeper Tom John was brilliant while making nine saves in the win. Baker scored his third goal of the conference tournament after netting a pair of Thursday.
 
Lake Erie now gets to breathe and enjoy the automatic qualifying bid into the NCAA Championship bracket for Super Region 3. Ten teams from each super region will be announced as part of the bracket on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. ET for the NCAA Selection Show.
 
The league will find also out if regionally ranked Cedarville, ousted in the semifinals, and ODU, will be in the championship field with potential at-large selections as picked by the national committee.