Mercer University
Georgia St.
Bears Upended In Double Overtime
8/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
ATLANTA, Ga. – For a second straight game the Mercer University women's soccer team played into double overtime. This time, however, the result proved unfavorable for the Bears as Georgia State was able to muster a last minute goal and a 1-0 decision.
The loss drpped the Bears 2010 record to 1-1-1 overall.
On Friday, the Bears drew a 2-2 tie against Samford in double overtime. But on Sunday, MU was unable to finish out against the Panthers as GSU forward Sarah Bennett netted a shot in the 106th minute from just outside the Bears' box.
Mercer dominated the final line, out-pacing Georgia State in total shots, 15-8, as well as in shots on goal, 8-5.
The double overtime finish was also the second in as many years for the two in-state rivals. Last season in Macon, the Bears had won the game 2-1 on a free kick in the second overtime. However, the final score was appealed by Georgia State - and eventually overturned and reverted to a 1-1-tie by the NCAA - when it was determined the rules were misapplied and the Bears should not have been awarded the free kick by the officiating crew in the first place.
Junior goalkeeper Cristina Guilarte received her third straight start in goal for the Bears, making two saves in one half of play. Junior Cagney Valloch took over for Guilarte in the second half and performed well the rest of the way making two saves herself, but ultimately gave up the game-winner.
"We just didn't come out strong at all but we were able to regroup a little bit in the second half and at the end of the first half," MU head coach Grant Serafy said. "You have to give Georgia State credit they made a good play at the end of the game. In these types of games you just have to step up and be able to make a play when the game is on the line."
The Bears had their chances in a tough-fought game. Individually, senior forward Lauren Johnson led all Bears on Sunday putting all four of her shots on goal in 85 minutes on the pitch. Mercer had seven corner kicks and seven shots in the second half, but was unable to convert on any of the scoring chances.
"We just have to learn from it and move on." Serafy said. "I was pleased with some of our players' performance, but we just have to regroup and get ready for a big weekend coming up."
The Bears will have five days to prepare for a formidable pair of matches next weekend. Southeastern Conference foe Georgia and ACC powerhouse Florida State will both travel to Macon for Labor Day weekend tilts against the Bears. The Bulldogs will open up the weekend on Friday at 7 p.m. and the Seminoles will kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The Bears will be signing autographs after the Georgia game and all fans are invited to attend and take part.
