Mercer University
Air Force
Bears Drop Final Non-Conference Game To Air Force
9/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Mercer University women's soccer team finished off its 2010 non-conference schedule on Sunday, losing 1-0 against the Air Force Academy at the Western Carolina Catamount Classic.
The loss pushes the Bears winless skid to six games and their overall record to 1-5-1 on the year. Sunday was the first meeting between the two schools and it was the Falcons that were able to escape with the win after an early first half goal.
In each of the past six games, the Bears have been competitive, yet have come up just short against arguably one of the more difficult schedules in recent memory.
"Right now we are in a state of disarray," head coach Grant Serafy said. "When you go against teams like Air Force you have to be prepared and I think we are really struggling with our level of preparation and commitment."
Mercer was outshot 6-3 in each half against the Falcons and fell behind early after a Stephanie Patterson goal in the 25th minute. Patterson took a straight-on shot and scored the game-winning goal against starting goalkeeper Cristina Guilarte.
The Bears usually dominant defense has struggled through the non-conference schedule. Over the past six games, MU has allowed opposing teams an average of 14.5 shots per game and has been outscored 13-5.
Mercer will have a short turnaround as the team continues to prepare for Atlantic Sun Conference play next Friday at Belmont.
"It is just not a good position to be in heading into conference play," Serafy said. "[Our lack of preparation] has really been a difficult thing to overcome."
Sophomore defender Patricia-Anne Upson led the way for the Bears, unleashing two shots on goal in her 90 minutes of play. Junior midfielder Olivia Tucker had two shots, as well. Mercer held the overall advantage in cornerkicks, 10-3, but could not find a way to score as it was shut out for the third time in the last five games.
Mercer will stay on the road next weekend and head to Nashville, Tenn. to play both Belmont and Lipscomb. The Belmont match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Friday and MU's contest at Lipscomb will finish off the weekend at 1 p.m. (ET) Sunday.
