Strong Second Half Earns Mercer 1-1 Draw Versus North Florida

Sunday, September 3

Macon, Ga.

6 p.m.

Mercer University

3-0-3, 0-0-0

North Florida

1-2-2, 0-0-0

North Florida

Mercer

Strong Second Half Earns Mercer 1-1 Draw Versus North Florida

9/3/2023 9:09:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Freshman Larkin Thomason scored the game-tying goal

MACON, Ga. – Another strong second half performance from Mercer, including a game-tying goal from freshman Larkin Thomason helped Mercer earn a 1-1 draw against North Florida on Senior Night Sunday night from Betts Stadium.

All four of Mercer's seniors, Kendall Cook, Jamie Hlebec, Jordan Lynn, and Belle Martinez started the game for Mercer. North Florida took an early 1-0 lead on a cross from the right side into the box which was touched home by Brooklynn Fugel in the 12th minute.

In the 54th minute in the second half Maria Karipidis and Jada Moorman connected on passes that led to a Thomason game-tying goal. Thomason's left-footed shot from the center of the box found the bottom left corner for her team leading fifth goal of the season.

Mercer was limited to just two shots in the first half, but found their stride in the second half to finish the game with 13 shots, including seven on goal. North Florida also had 13 shots but put just three of them on target. Mercer had a couple of great chances to steal the win in the second half as Ciara Whitely and Keelin Pray both had great looks from in close but couldn't capitalize.

Mercer will head back on the road for a Thursday night matchup at Jacksonville. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

SCORING SUMMARY
12'	GOAL: Brooklynn Fugel (1), ASSIST: Paige McSwigan
54'	GOAL: Larkin Thomason (5), ASSISTS: Jada Moorman, Maria Karipidis

TOP BEARS

+ Freshman Larkin Thomason scored the game-tying goal in the second half. She leads the SoCon with five goals.
+ Sophomore Jada Moorman earned the Grit chain. Moorman assisted on Thomason's goal and despite not recording a shot on the night, was excellent in build up play and driving at the North Florida defense to set up her teammates with scoring opportunities.
+ Ciara Whitely was great for the Bears in the midfield connecting on passes and also had a few good scoring chances in the game.

NOTABLES

+ Thomason has scored in three consecutive games (4 goals).
+ Mercer has not lost in 15 consecutive home matches dating back to the 2021 season (10-0-5).
+ Mercer has not allowed an opponent to have more than five shots on goal in any game this season.

UP NEXT

Mercer will head back on the road for a Thursday night matchup at Jacksonville. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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