Mercer University
South Carolina
Men's Soccer Falls to South Carolina in Season Opener
8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Mercer University men's soccer team fell short of completing a late rally, dropping a 2-1 decision to South Carolina on Friday evening at Stone Stadium.
TURNING POINT
The Bears applied pressure early and after the Gamecocks scored on a free kick in the 18th minute, the pace of the match evened out for the remainder of the first half with chances coming for both teams. South Carolina took a 2-0 lead in the 55th minute, and despite continued pressure from Mercer, the Orange and Black was unable to score until the 83rd minute. The Bears had a good look at an equalizer in the final seconds, but Ian Antley's header in the box went wide.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Kobe Perez led the Bears' offensive attack, registering six shots, including three on goal. The rookie was just one of two Bears to record multiple shots on the night. Perez had a good look in the 68th minute, but the South Carolina keeper was able to grab it after it was deflected.
STAT OF THE GAME
Mercer outshot South Carolina 14-10, including 8-4 in the final 45 minutes of play. However, the Gamecocks were able to convert half of their shots on goal (2-of-4) in the contest.
NOTABLES
- The Bears also owned a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
- Mercer freshmen Jake Mezei and Kobe Perez earned their first collegiate starts in Friday's match, making their collegiate debut alongside fellow frosh Alexander Andersson and Emmet Johnson.
- Junior Jeremy Booth made his Mercer debut tonight as well, playing all 90 minutes in goal for the Bears. He finished with two saves while surrendering a pair of first half goals.
- The late match goal was the first of Johnson's career, although he also scored in Mercer's exhibition against Evansville.
- Bagrou's assist was his first of 2015 and sixth of his career.
RECORDS UPDATE
Mercer starts the season with an 0-1 mark, while South Carolina begins at 1-0.
UP NEXT
The Bears continue their tour of the state of South Carolina, travelling to Clemson for a 6 p.m. kick-off on Sunday, August 30.
For all the latest information on Mercer men's soccer, please visit MercerBears.com or, for up-to-the-minute updates, follow Mercer soccer on Twitter at @Mercer_MSoccer or www.twitter.com/Mercer_MSoccer.
