Weather Halts Men's Soccer Preseason Opener at Georgia Southern

Box Score

STATESBORO, Ga. – The Mercer men’s soccer team was down 1-0 in its preseason opener against Georgia Southern when constant lightning stikes forced the game to be stopped in the 72nd minute of play on Saturday evening.

The Eagles held a 4-2 advantage in shots for the match to go along with a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks.

The contest was the preseason opener for both squads and it definitely showed over the first 45 minutes. Both teams struggled to generate any rhythm on the offensive end, combining for just two shots in the half. Freshman Joshua Ball accounted for Mercer’s only chance when he flicked a header off a crossing pass high and wide.

The second period started with a bang for the home team thanks to a goal by senior Joe Cox in the 52^nd minute. Cox lined up a free kick from about 25 yards out that deflected off a Mercer player and past goalkeeper Daniel VanValkinburgh to make the score 1-0 Georgia Southern.

A total of 17 players saw action for Mercer in the contest. The starting lineup featured a glimpse of the future with three freshman and five sophomores featured to begin the match.

The Bears continue their 2010 preseason schedule when they host Oglethorpe at Bear Field on Monday, August 23 at 7 p.m.