Mercer University
Winthrop
Mercer Comes Up Short against Winthrop in Home Opener, 2-1
9/13/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer men's soccer team dropped its 2013 home opener 2-1 against Winthrop as part of the Mercer Tournament on Friday evening at Bear Field.
Mercer (0-4) out-shot Winthrop (3-0-1) 16-15 overall and 9-6 in shots on goal, but dropped its fourth-straight game for the first time since losing five in a row back in 2009.
The Bears schedule might have something to do with their tough start in 2013, as their first four opponents currently sport a 13-1-1 combined record.
Winthrop jumped on the board almost instantly to start the contest thanks to a corner kick in the second minute. After Mercer goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh made a sprawling save on a header, senior forward Achille Obogou kicked home the ensuing rebound to give the Eagles an early 1-0 lead.
That is the way things stayed going into halftime, but Mercer fought its way back into the game in the early stages of the second half. Senior Brady O'Brien served a free kick into the box that freshman Ian Antley headed back across the face of goal to senior Ehjayson Henry who tapped in his attempt to tie things up at 1-1.
The Eagles came back with an answer of their own in the 64th minute of play to put the game out of reach. Sophomore Patrick Barnes sent in a cross from the far side of the field that Obogou chested down and launched over the outstretched arms of Ranjitsingh to make the final score 2-1.
Ranjitsingh made four saves in the contest while Winthrop goalkeeper Guilherme Avelar notched eight saves to pick up the win.
Ian Antley led the Bears with seven shots in the contest, six of which were on goal.
Mercer returns to action on Sept. 15, when it hosts in-state rival Georgia Southern in the final game of the Mercer Tournament. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bear Field.
