Mercer, Evansville End In Scoreless Draw In Season Opener

Thursday, August 17

Macon, Ga.

7 p.m.

Mercer University

0-0-1, 0-0-0

Evansville

0-0-1, 0-0-0

Evansville

Mercer

Mercer, Evansville End In Scoreless Draw In Season Opener

8/17/2023 9:33:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

Bears outshot Evansville 24-7

MACON, Ga. – In the 2023 season opener, Mercer and Evansville played to a scoreless draw Thursday night from Betts Stadium.

The Bears created numerous scoring chances throughout the game, outshooting Evansville 24-7, including a 10-2 shots on goal advantage. Mercer had a few shots cleared off the goal line by an Evansville defender throughout the game.

"I was happy with the way we performed defensively," said head coach Tony Economopoulos. "To get a clean sheet opening night against a good Evansville team, I'm happy with that. On the attacking side we created chances, but it wasn't clinical enough. They did a good job of cleaning shots off the line as well. So it was a good performance, but I want it to be great. Therefore, we've got to score some goals."

The Bears almost found the game-winner in the 89th minute when Jada Moorman headed home a goal, only for it to be called offside. Lindsay Bell picked up the shutout for the Bears in goal. Bell made two saves on the night.

Next up, Mercer will take the field at Betts Stadium on Sunday, August 20 at 2 p.m. as Mississippi Valley State makes the trip over to Macon.

Coach Economopoulos encouraged by the team's start to the 2023 season with a clean sheet, but looking to put away their chances offensively.

Box Score and Recap → https://t.co/1n2k32pnqp #MUWS | #RoarTogether | #GoBears pic.twitter.com/sfVLTIc6ye
— Mercer Women's Soccer (@MercerWSoccer) August 18, 2023

TOP BEARS

+ Chandler Lewis-Jenkins led all players with six shots including three on goal. She also was excellent tracking back defensively in stopping any offensive threat from Evansville.
+ Lindsay Bell earned the shutout while making two saves in the game.
+ Freshman defender Anna Bachman made the most of her 38 minutes of playing time as she was solid defensively, and had some excellent crosses which helped create good scoring chances for the Bears.
+ Sara Engels made her first career start as a Bear and had a solid performance playing out wide. She played all 90 minutes and took most of Mercer's 11 corner kicks on the night, and did a great job of putting the ball in a dangerous area in the box.

NOTABLES

+ Mercer had 11 corners to just one for Evansville.
+ Three freshmen saw playing time: Anna Bachman, Maria Karipidis, and Larkin Thomason
+ Graduate student Elizabeth Hargis came on in the second half and played 26 minutes in her first action since tearing her ACL in the seventh game last season.

UP NEXT

Mercer welcomes Mississippi Valley State to Macon on Sunday, August 20. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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