Brace in Lexington

Sunday, October 10

Lexington, Va.

1:00 PM

Mercer University

5-4-4, 2-1-3

VMI

3-11-1, 0-4-1

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Mercer	1	1	0	0	2
VMI	0	2	0	0	2

Cami Brown

10/10/2021 6:02:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Mercer returns to play on Friday at 6 P.M.

By: Jake List

LEXINGTON, Va. – After once again playing through two overtimes, senior Ally Fordham's brace earned the Bears their 2-2 tie on the day. Her penalty kick and header gave Mercer another point in the SoCon standings table.

BEARS MATCH INFO
Date & Time: Sunday, October 10, 2021 | 1 P.M.
Teams: Mercer Bears at VMI Keydets
Location: Lexington, Va. | Patchin Field
Twitter Updates: @MercerWSoccer

"We can't give up two goals and expect three points" "We started off strong and took a well-deserved lead in the first half. VMI didn't make it easy for us, but this team is strong. Our squad can handle the physicality of any team in the conference." "With that being said, we have to capitalize on our chances when we push into our attack. We had good opportunities, we just couldn't make enough finalizing connections needed for the win", said head coach Tony Economopoulos. "VMI came out strong and that was a good test for us. "I would have liked at least four points this weekend, but we move on and get ready for our match on Friday".

After a hundred and ten minutes, the Bears stayed determined throughout the match. Ciara Whitely and Lana Whitfield were able to get some great looks in the match, however, they were off the mark. Payton Schurr was able to control the majority of the midfield with help from Keelin Pray and Cami Brown. They created a chance in the first half that led to a foul in the VMI box. Ally Fordham stepped up for the Orange & Black and did what she does best and tucked it into the back of the net. Entering into the first half with a 1-0 lead. Just minutes into the second half, Ally earned herself another goal from a cross by Ciara Whitely with the attack spearheaded by Kylie Buchanan. Mercer earned a PK in the 64^th minute but missed the shot off the woodwork. They continued to have good looks from corners and set pieces as the clock went on but were unable to find a third goal.

The Keydets attacked with numbers and possessed smart chances as well. In the 51^st minute, Gabby Criscione earned herself a PK and put VMI on the board making the score 2-1. VMI isn't afraid to play a physical game and that weathered the Bears. VMI was able to take advantage of their momentum and Riley Flanagan scored again in the 62^nd minute. Similar to Mercer, they continued to play their game but couldn't put anything more together in the remainder of the match.

With both teams battling back and forth, Mercer acquired a pair of yellow cards while VMI received one of their own.

Notables:

Jordyn Ebert recorded 5 saves.
Ally Fordham earned the Grit Chain of the day.
Ally Fordham led the team with 2 goals.
Mercer moves to 5-4-4 overall, 2-1-3 in the SoCon.

Up Next
The Bears will play Friday the 15^th when The Citadel comes to visit Betts Stadium at 6 P.M.

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