Mercer University
S.C. Upstate
Men's Soccer Blanks USC Upstate in Conference Opener, 2-0
9/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Box Score
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Mercer men's soccer team won its third Atlantic Sun conference opener in as many years after downing USC Upstate 2-0 on Thursday evening at County University Soccer Stadium.
The victory moves Mercer's overall record to 5-1-1 on the season, its best start after seven contests since a 6-1 start in 2001. The victory also pushes the Orange and Black's unbeaten streak to six games, the longest current run in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Mercer out-shot USC Upstate 16-8, including an 8-0 edge in shots on goal. The Orange and Black also held a 10-4 edge in corner kicks in the contest.
The Bears broke the scoreless game up in the 21st minute of play thanks to a timely substitution. Sophomore Richie Edmondson, who had just entered the game as a sub, collected a mishandled attempt by Upstate goalkeeper Jason McCabe and slid in a shot just inside the far post to give Mercer an early 1-0 lead.
That is all the action the first half had to offer as the Orange and Black controlled play for the majority of the period but were unable to add another tally. The Bears defense held the Spartans to just three first half shots, none of which made their way on goal.
Mercer opened the second stanza with a golden chance to increase its lead in the 48th minute of play. Sophomore Will Betts ran up on a deflection in the Upstate penalty box and fired a shot in that was saved by McCabe to keep the score 1-0.
The Orange and Black's continued offensive pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute of play. Freshman Brady O'Brien corralled a failed Spartan clearance and slipped in a shot near post past McCabe to make the score 2-0.
O'Brien's goal concluded the scoring in the match for both sides. In a testament to the Bears defense, sophomore goalkeeper Brett Petricek earned his third shutout win of the season without having to make a single save in the game.
Mercer continues its conference opening road trip later this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 2 when it travels to Johnson City, Tenn. to take on East Tennessee State. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Summers-Taylor Soccer Stadium.
