Men's Soccer Dominates in Southern Conference Opener Against VMI

Saturday, September 30

Macon, Ga.

1 p.m.

Mercer University

5-2-4, 1-0-0

VMI

3-7-0, 0-1-0

VMI

Mercer

Photo by: Taylor Erickson

Men's Soccer Dominates in Southern Conference Opener Against VMI

9/30/2023 4:41:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

MACON, GA. –The Mercer Bears would defeat VMI 5-1 on Senior Day on Saturday, September 30 at Betts Stadium in Macon, Georgia.

Mercer moves to 5-1-4 on the season and 1-0 in Southern Conference play, while VMI moves to 3-7-0 on the season and 0-1 in Southern Conference play. The Bears offense was on attack mode in the first half scoring three goals in the first 30 minutes of the match. Barzee Blama would score the first goal of the match of a cross that was batted down into the box where Blama was able to step in and bury the shot bottom corner of the goal in the 12th minute. Nick Wanzer would find the back of the net off his head in the 24th minute off a crossing ball played by Carlos Santamaria. In the 28th minute, Angel Gonzales would bury a ball played from William Pondeca into the bottom corner of the goal. The Bears would lead 3-0 heading into halftime.

VMI would start the scoring off in the 10 minutes into second half when the ball deflected off a Bear defender into the net for an own goal. The Bears would bounce back a minute later in the 51st minute, off the head of Barzee Blama completing his brace. The Bears would find the back of the net one last time in the 79th minute off the right foot of Ehi Aimiuwu.

Up next, the Bears will welcome Georgia State to Betts Stadium for the battle of I-75 on Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m. ET.

TOP BEARS

+ Barzee Blama added two goals in the game, moving his season total seven
+ Nick Wanzer, Ehi Aimiuwu, Angel Gonzales each scored their first goal of the year
+ Carlos Santamaria, Ehi Aimiuwu, and William Pondeca each added an assist for the Bears

NOTABLES

+ Rabiu Agbaje made his debut for the Bears in the closing minutes against VMI
+ Center backs Sekou Agard and Chad Eldridge each were winning headers and putting the attempts on frame during Mercer's set pieces

UP NEXT

Up next, the Bears will welcome Georgia State to Betts Stadium for the battle of I-75 on Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m. ET.

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SUPPORT THE BEARS

Fans can help support the Mercer athletics department by making a gift to the Mercer Athletic Foundation. To find out more information about the Mercer Athletic Foundation, visit S upportMAF.com or email maf@mercer.edu.