Mercer Can't Break Through In 1-0 Defeat At Western Carolina

Sunday, September 22

Cullowhee, N.C.

2 p.m.

Mercer University

6-3-2, 0-1-1

Western Carolina

7-2-2, 2-0-0

Mercer

Western Caro.

Mercer Can't Break Through In 1-0 Defeat At Western Carolina

9/22/2024 4:58:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

First game without a goal for the Bears this season

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Mercer couldn't find the back of the net for the first time this season in a 1-0 loss on the road to defending SoCon champion Western Carolina on Sunday afternoon in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

In a matchup of the top two scoring teams in the SoCon, just one goal was scored but each team had its chances offensively. Shots were 23-14 in favor of the Catamounts and shots on goal were 7-4, Western Carolina.

The Catamounts' goal came from their leading scorer in Milla Syska in the 23rd minute. Western Carolina took a throw in on the left wing, Syska turned and took a shot that went up high to beat Lindsday Bell for the goal.

Mercer's best scoring chances came early in the first half on shots from Kendall Cook and a free kick from Sara Engels, but both were saved by Western Carolina's goalie.

The Catamounts were able to hold off the Bears in the second half to earn their second win early in conference play.

SCORING SUMMARY
21'	WESTERN CAROLINA GOAL: Milla Syska (8) ASSIST: Naya Marcil

TOP BEARS

+ Lindsay Bell had six saves in goal for the Bears and a few of those were key saves in the second half to keep it a one-goal game.
+ Kendall Cook led Mercer with four shots and had a good game in the outside midfield for Mercer.

NOTABLES

+ The Bears were held without a goal in a game for the first time this season.
+ Midfielder Maria Karipidis played all 90 minutes for the first time this season.
+ It was a physical game with 19 combined fouls and five yellow cards given out.

UP NEXT

The Bears do not have a midweek game this week. Mercer's next game is Saturday, Sept. 28 at ETSU in Johnson City, Tennessee. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

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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.