Bears Win in Statesboro

Saturday, October 16

Statesboro, Ga.

7 p.m.

Mercer University

5-6-1, 2-1-1

Georgia Southern

4-9-0, 0-2-0

Mercer

Ga. Southern

10/16/2021 9:38:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Bears next kickoff in Macon on the 19th is slated for 6 p.m.

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Mercer Bears traveled to Statesboro as they took on Georgia Southern. The Bears were able to capitalize on set plays and penalties as they received the 3-2 win.

The home-standing Eagles attacked first with a goal in the 11^th minute from Adam Davie off of a PK. From there, Georgia Southern continued to attack and be physical throughout the match. GS's goalie Blaengsson recorded some excellent saves on the night as well. Georgia Southern would not score again in the first half. The Eagles came close to tying the match, after the Bears later scored 2 following goals, in the 60^th minute from a shot by Samuel Odame. However, Trevor McMullen had other plans. Moving forward, GS recorded seven shots and argued a foul in the 83^rd minute but it wasn't until the 85^th minute that the Eagles would tie the game and score again from Adam Davie with a PK. As the match continued, Mercer would disallow any further GS attempts.

As Mercer made their way through the first half, the Orange & Black were able to get into an offensive rhythm relatively early. Goals were scored in the 38^th and 42^nd minute by Dylan Gaither and Ousman Jabang respectively both assisted by Angel Gonzalez. The Bears ended the first half with a prominent attack in the Eagles' defensive third. Mercer would eventually finish with logging twelve shots in Statesboro. With the second half beginning, MU slowed down their attack and valued possession as they possessed the lead as well. The Bears looked to execute more defensively than they did offensively. With that being said and as the clock was ticking away, the Bears were able to find smart through balls, take precise touches, and test GS's backline only when necessary. In the final two minutes of the match after giving up an unfortunate second penalty kick, it was none other than Ousman Jabang who scored from a Liam Coxhead throw-in which eventually gave Mercer the 3-2 win. MU was able to come together as a collective unit and record their third nonconference win on the season.

The Bears will return to action on Tuesday, October 19th when Jacksonville visits Betts Stadium. Kickoff in Macon is slated for 6 p.m.

Notables:

Trevor McMullen recorded 2 saves.
Angel Gonzalez led the team with 2 assists.
Goals scored by Ousman Jabang (2) and Dylan Gaither.
Mercer Bears move to 5-6-1 overall and continue to be 2-1-1 in the SoCon.

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