Mercer University
Stetson
Bears and Hatters Tie 2-2 in Physical Match
10/9/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer women's soccer team failed to maintain second-half lead and finished Sunday's pivotal Atlantic Sun conference game in a 2-2 draw against Stetson at Bear Field.
After trailing 1-0 early on, the Bears (7-6-1, 1-4-1 A-Sun) used goals by senior Olivia Tucker and P.A. Upson to take the 2-1 lead in the 55th minute. However, just two minutes after Upson added her second of the season, the Hatters (2-9-2, 1-3-1 A-Sun) countered with an equalizer as Alyssa Welsh scored an unassisted goal in the 57th minute.
"We just don't have anybody who is making plays," head coach Grant Serafy said. "We outshot them again, and had more shots on goal and had a good chance in the first half, but unfortunately we gave the ball away in the midfield and that led to two goals."
From there the Bears and Hatters played through two hard-fought overtimes but couldn't resolve the match and it ended in a tie – the Bears first of the season.
Mercer now find itself in a precarious position heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. MU is currently ninth in the A-Sun and will have to win in its final three matches to have a shot at being one of six teams to make the tournament.
"If we don't show more heart and more courage it's going to be tough," Serafy said. "But I am hopeful that we will make plays and that's just what we are missing right now."
Mercer fell behind early in Sunday's game as Stetson's Alexis Hermosa scored off a free kick just outside the Bears box in the 12th minute. It wasn't until the 22nd minute that the Bears were able to end their season-long scoring drought and tie the game at one. Tucker scored her team-leading eighth goal of the season connecting on a long cross from sophomore Casey Barrett.
Upson's goal came off one of 30 fouls called against Stetson in the match. Senior Emerald Phillips launched a ball deep into Stetson's box and Hatter goalkeeper Laura Seletos punched the service into the air and Upson was able to get a head on it to give the Bears the lead.
Overall, the Bears outshot the Hatters 14-7 and had two more corner kicks in the game, but MU just couldn't capitalize on the advantage.
The Bears face-off against in-state rival Kennesaw St. for what will be a must-win situation for Mercer next Friday night. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. and will be the team's senior night as it will be the last regular season home game for the Bears.
