Macon, GA – The Jacksonville men's soccer team fell 2-1 against the Mercer Bears on Tuesday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The skies were clear and offered for a beautiful night of soccer as the Dolphins searched for their first win of the season and Mercer was looking for their third consecutive win and shutout. Both sides' defensive strategies were put well into place as the first 36 minutes of the match saw neither side record a shot on frame. Late into the half, with just eight minutes remaining, Mercer took a one-goal lead after a shot from Agard Kadeem found the back of the net.
The Dolphins opened the second half with a different mindset; Jacksonville Midfielder Kasper Davidson started the half with two shots in the first six minutes, one on goal. Shortly after Jeppe Jordoson forced the Bears defense to act as he took a powerful strike from distance. Momentum began to build for the Dolphins and finally in the 70th minute Olivier Correa struck a curling right footed shot to the top right corner over the Bears defense. The match continued evenly, both teams fishing for an advantage. As the final 10 minutes roared on, the Bears managed to find a gap in the Dolphins defense to take the lead with just seven minutes to play. Correa took the last shot of the game with 30 seconds left in search of a late equalizer, but Jacksonville ultimately ran out of time and Mercer escaped with the win.
WHAT THEY SAID
"We lost to a very well disciplined and coached side who set up to hit us on the counter and capitalize on set pieces", said head coach Ali Simmons. "Two cheap turnovers led to their goals, and we are left kicking ourselves at a lost opportunity. We are not where we want to be from a record standpoint, but we are looking forward to our home opener and what is it come".
ADDITIONAL NOTES
WHATS NEXT
Dolphins look forward to beginning a new streak in Southern oak come this Friday, Sept. 8th at 6 PM vs Florida Atlantic Owls.
