Farr's Late Goal Sends Mercer To 2-1 Win Over Kennesaw State

Thursday, August 15

Kennesaw, Ga.

7 p.m.

Mercer University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Kennesaw State

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Mercer

Kennesaw St.

Farr's Late Goal Sends Mercer To 2-1 Win Over Kennesaw State

8/15/2024 10:11:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sydney Farr scored the game-winning goal in the 86th minute

MACON, Ga. - Sydney Farr brought down the ball with a superb first touch at the top of the box, turned and struck a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner of the goal in the 86th minute to break a 1-1 tie and send Mercer to a season opening 2-1 win over Kennesaw State Thursday night from Fifth Third Stadium.

After Kennesaw State scored in the ninth minute, Sophomore Maria Karipidis scored the first goal of the season for Mercer in the 29th minute after the Bears took a quick corner kick and Kendall Cook delivered a great ball into the box that found the head of Karipidis for the goal to even the game at one.

In the second half, Mercer created numerous quality chances offensively but were unable to find the go-ahead goal before Farr's goal. The Bears connected a few passes in the midfield before Anna Bachman played the ball in the air up to Farr who scored a quality game-winning goal.

The Bears were able to control possession throughout the game and had a 24-4 shots advantage. The Bears' defense was excellent in the second half as they didn't allow Kennesaw State to register a single shot in the final 45 minutes. Shots in the second half were 11-0, Bears. Lindsay Bell wasn't tested much making one save, whereas Mercer forced the Owls goalie into 11 saves on the night.

Larkin Thomason was a threat going forward as she led all players with five shots including three on goal. Farr added four shots with two on goal.

Freshman Maggie Rollins earned her first career start at center back along with Lena Dykes. Both players played the full 90 minutes were a big part in keeping the Owls quiet offensively in the second half.

SCORING SUMMARY
9'	KENNESAW STATE GOAL: Tianna Rivera; ASSIST: None
29'	MERCER GOAL: Maria Karipidis: ASSIST: Kendall Cook
86'	MERCER GOAL: Sydney Farr: ASSIST: Anna Bachman

TOP BEARS

+ Sydney Farr came through with what will likely be one of the biggest goals of the season the 86th minute. She was also good
for the Bears in creating other scoring opportunities throughout the game.
+ Mercer's back line in Anna Bachman, Maggie Rollins, Lena Dykes, and Chandler Lewis-Jenkins were solid for much of the night
in 1-V-1 defending and clearing.
+ Maria Karipidis was strong in the midfield for the Bears in possession and got the scoring started in the 29th minute.

NOTABLES

+ The win is Mercer's first in its last three games at Kennesaw State.
+ In total, six freshmen saw the field.
+ Mercer held Kennesaw State without a single shot in the second half.
+ Nine different Mercer players registered a shot on goal.
+ Mercer's 24 shots in the game were its most since the Bears had 25 shots in a win over Wofford last season on September 28.

UP NEXT

Mercer returns home to play its home opener next Monday, August 19 against Berry. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. ET.

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