Mercer University
3-3
Houston
1-2-1
Women's Soccer Holds Off Houston, 3-2
9/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer women's soccer team outlasted Houston, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon at Bear Field.
The Bears (3-3) took an early 1-0 lead in the third minute when Washida Blackman fired one in to the right corner of the net off a free kick from Sarah Daane. Sydney Brogden found the back of the net to increase Mercer's lead to 2-0 just 35 seconds before halftime.
Houston (1-2-1) scored early in the second stanza to cut the lead to 2-1 in the 55th minute. The game was tied, 2-2, in the 71st minute when Mercer hit the ball into its own net, resulting in a Houston goal.
However, the Bears corrected their mistake quickly as Maddie Clark dribbled down the side of the field and had a clear shot at goal to put Mercer up 3-2 just a minute and a half later. Mercer held off Houston's attempts to score in the final 20 minutes and was able to come away with the victory.
"I was really proud of the girls this afternoon for coming out after a long weather delay and playing with some high energy against a good Houston team from a big conference," said Head Coach Tony Economopoulos. "We took a 2-0 lead at halftime and I was very pleased with our performance. We had a bit of a letdown in the second half and we let them back in the game, but overall we found a way to come back, get a third goal and win the game. Credit to the girls for finding a way to get the job done in the final 20 minutes of the game. Great team effort and I give the girls a lot of credit for today's win."
For the second time in as many games for the Bears, the start of the match was delayed due to severe weather. There was a 2 hour and five minute weather delay prior to the start of the game.
Maggie Cropp played her third complete game of the season and tallied six saves against the Cougars.
The Bears outshot the Cougars 15-11 and were led by Lauren Gassie and Blackman, who notched four shots and three shots, respectively.
Next up, Mercer will take a short trip to Athens, Ga., to face Georgia on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
Team Stats
Washida Blackman (2)
Assisted By: Sarah Daane
Off the free kick from Daane to the back
2:34
Sydney Brogden (3)
GOAL by MER Sydney Brogden, goal number 3 for season.
44:25
SCHULZ, Kristina (1)
Assisted By: GOH, Megan
shot from the center of the box to the t
54:34
TEAM (1)
Mercer hits ball into own goal
70:02
Maddie Clark (2)
Clark dribbles down sideline and gets cl
71:30
