Sekou Agard's Goal Leads Mercer to Victory over Jacksonville

Thursday, August 29

Jacksonville, Fla.

5 p.m.

Mercer University

1-1-1, 0-0-0

Jacksonville

1-2-0, 0-0-0

Mercer

Jacksonville

Sekou Agard's Goal Leads Mercer to Victory over Jacksonville

8/29/2024 7:53:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

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

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Senior defender Sekou Agard netted his second goal of the season in the 47^th minute and senior goalkeeper Trevor McMullen posted his second consecutive clean sheet to lead Mercer to a 1-0 victory over Jacksonville on Thursday.

The first half of the match was scoreless, with both teams coming up empty on multiple scoring chances. Trevor McMullen recorded three saves in the first half for Mercer to keep the match level.

The Bears took control out of the break, with Carlos Santamaria putting a shot on goal in the 46^th minute that was saved by Jacksonville goalkeeper Christian Sekanina. Just over a minute later, the Bears would earn a corner, and Santamaria delivered a beautifully placed ball that Agard buried into the top right corner for a goal.

Following the goal, Mercer nearly extended the lead multiple times but was kept at bay. Ehi Aimiuwu saw a scoring opportunity in the 54^th minute, but a nice play from Dolphins' keeper Sekanina kept the Bears' lead at one.

Santamaria nearly netted a goal in the 68^th minute, but his strike missed just left. On the evening, the Bears held a 12-7 advantage in shots and a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Following a shutout against South Florida on Sunday, the Mercer defense put together another strong performance for a second consecutive shutout. Keeper Trevor McMullen made four saves, including a stop in the 81^st minute to hold the Mercer lead. Woodi Pondeca and Sekou Agard played the full 90 minutes on the back line, with Natnael McDonald and Tomas Morales playing all 90 in the midfield.

The win marks the Bears' first of the 2024 season and evens their record at 1-1-1.

SCORING SUMMARY

47' MERCER GOAL: Sekou Agard; ASSIST: Carlos Santamaria

TOP BEARS

+ Sekou Agard scored the lone goal of the match on a set piece in the 46^th minute. The senior defender has scored both of Mercer's goals this season
+ Trevor McMullen made four saves on the evening to post the clean sheet. The senior's 179 career saves are the most among active SoCon players
+ The Bears' midfield helped Mercer control possession for much of the contest. Natnael McDonald and Tomas Morales played all 90 minutes in midfield

UP NEXT
Mercer will play their final of four consecutive contests in Florida and second in a row in Jacksonville on Sunday when they battle North Florida. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.