OHIO — Findlay defeated Lake Erie 3-2 on Saturday, extending its winning streak to three games with a clinical first-half performance. The Oilers (9-5-2) struck twice early through Ryan Dickinson before Lake Erie mounted a second-half comeback that fell just short. The Storm (4-5-8) pulled within one goal late but couldn't complete the rally.
Dickinson opened the scoring in the 5th minute, giving Findlay an immediate advantage. The forward doubled the lead just before the 7-minute mark, putting the visitors in complete control early. Lake Erie struggled to generate offensive rhythm in the opening half, with Findlay's defense limiting clear-cut chances despite the Storm's territorial pressure.
The first half remained scoreless after Dickinson's early barrage, with Lake Erie unable to convert several opportunities. Veljko Radovanovic and Florian Senf tested Findlay's goalkeeper but couldn't find the net. Findlay's 2-0 halftime lead proved commanding, as the Oilers managed their advantage through disciplined defending and efficient transitions.
Lake Erie emerged with renewed intensity after the break, adjusting tactics to create more attacking opportunities. Cal Babiash scored in the 79th minute, assisted by Benjamin Lerida, cutting the deficit to one. The goal sparked momentum for the home side, which pressed aggressively in search of an equalizer.
Benjamin Lerida added Lake Erie's second goal in the 85th minute, assisted by Babiash, narrowing the gap to 3-2. The Storm's late surge created genuine danger, but