Mercer Looks to Stay Unbeaten at SoCon/Big South Challenge

MACON, Ga. – Mercer will look to repeat its success in the Palmetto State this weekend in the SoCon/Big South Challenge in Spartanburg, South Carolina after pulling off a 3-2 upset victory over No. 24 South Carolina in Tuesday's midweek matchup. The Bears will take on Winthrop on Friday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m.

FRIDAY'S MATCHUP
Location: Spartanburg, S.C. – Snyder Field
Schedule: Friday, Sept. 2 – 5 p.m. EST vs. Winthrop
Watch: Live Stream
Twitter Updates: @Mercer_MSoccer

SERIES HISTORY
The Bears will meet the Eagles on the pitch for the fifth time in program history on Friday, as Mercer and Winthrop are deadlocked with a 2-2 record in the all-time series. The Orange and Black won two of the last three matchups, claiming a 3-0 win in 2010 before falling to the Eagles by a final of 2-1 in 2013.

THE BAGROU-PEREZ CONNECTION
Kobe Perez and Will Bagrou were masterful in the attack for the Bears in the 3-2 victory at No. 24 South Carolina, as both continually took on defenders and found others in space to present a constant threat to the Gamecock backline. Both Perez and Bagrou scored a goal and recorded an assist, linking with each other on both occasions, to combine for six points on the evening.

FACTS & FIGURES

The win over South Carolina was the first over a ranked team since the Bears took down UAB during the 2010 season and third time Mercer has toppled a ranked squad during head coach Brad Ruzzo's tenure.
All four Mercer goals this season have come from different players, as Conner Antley, Jake Mezei, Bagrou and Perez have each found the back of the net through two matches.
Tuesday's victory was the first in program history against South Carolina and the three goals scored mark the most the Bears have scored against the Gamecocks.

SCOUTING WINTHROP
The Eagles are 1-1-0 on the young season, dropping the opener by a score of 3-0 against North Florida before bouncing back with a 2-1 victory against Jacksonville. Both of Winthrop's goals came in the first stanza, as Rasmus Arousell found the back of the net twice to give the Eagles the win. Winthrop was selected to finish third in the Big South preseason poll after claiming the conference crowd last season.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of Mercer Men's Soccer, please follow the Bears on social media at @Mercer_MSoccer (Twitter) and /MercerMSoccer (Facebook) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.

Mercer Looks to Stay Unbeaten at SoCon/Big South Challenge

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Players Mentioned

Conner Antley

Will Bagrou

Jake Mezei

Kobe Perez

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