Mercer Battles South Florida to Scoreless Draw

Sunday, August 25

Tampa, Fla.

7 p.m.

Mercer University

0-1-1, 0-0-0

South Florida

0-1-1, 0-0-0

Mercer

South Fla.

Mercer Battles South Florida to Scoreless Draw

8/25/2024 11:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Donovan Schultz, donovan.schultz@live.mercer.edu

TAMPA, Fla. – Mercer controlled much of the possession in Sunday's contest against South Florida, but was unable to come up with a goal in a 0-0 draw.

The Bears dominated many of the statistical categories, including shots, where they held a 11-7 edge over the Bulls. Of Mercer's 11 shots, five were on target, whereas South Florida was unable to put a shot on goal. The Bears earned six corner kicks on the evening, including five in the first half. USF's lone corner kick came in the second half.

Mercer had a great scoring chance early in the match, earning a penalty kick in the fourth minute. However, Segun Afolabi's shot was saved on a great stop by USF goalkeeper Felix Schaefer.

Senior Kadeem Agard was active in the contest, putting up four shots, including three in the first half.

Coming out of the break, the Bears' attack continued to threaten, as Ehi Aimiuwu's header just missed the target in the 53^rd minute. Mercer had another great scoring chance in the 81^st minute, but a header from Afolabi missed just right of the goal.

The Bears were able to withstand a flurry of South Florida attacks in the final ten minutes to secure the draw, highlighted by a great play from goalkeeper Trevor McMullen in the 82^nd minute. The senior dove to his right to pounce on a South Florida cross, keeping the Bulls off the scoreboard.

The Mercer back line was superb, keeping the Bulls offensive attack quiet all night. The clean sheet marks the Bears' first of the 2024 campaign.

SCORING SUMMARY

None

TOP BEARS

+ Kadeem Agard generated multiple scoring chances for the Bears, putting up four shots with two on target
+ The Mercer back line of Woodi Pondeca, Sekou Agard and Tommy Redd was stout, holding the Bulls without a shot on goal. The three defenders played all 90 minutes of the match
+ The Bears' midfielders helped Mercer dominate possession for much of the game. Natnael McDonald, Tomas Morales and Nick Wanzer all played the full 90 minutes in the midfield, with Carlos Santamaria playing 78 minutes and Grant Hampton playing 77

UP NEXT
Mercer heads to Jacksonville on Thursday, August 29 to play the Jacksonville Dolphins. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.