Furman vs Mercer in Men’s Soccer SoCon Championship Game
Furman Men’s Soccer (10-5-3) has a chance to bring home yet another SoCon Championship this year in less than 24 hours as both Football and Track and Field already have a SoCon Championship brought home to the sports program. Standing in the way the Mercer Bears (6-6-8) who have fought their way to be in the Championship game. (Game Thread)
Furman will be led by star players Defender Slade Starnes and Forward Christian Kraus in what will be a very highly contested game between the two. Mercer is led by Goalie Trevor McMullen who has helped lead the Bears to the Championship game. The Game is now on the way and let’s see who will be crowned SoCon Champions this afternoon, as Mercer starts with the ball and quickly gets the goal on Furman and its 1-0 Mercer on top as Goalie Salinas made two saves but the third was kicked in by #16 Nick Wanzer.
At the 39th minute Mercer gets yet another goal and its now 2-0 Mercer Bears and they have quickly put Furman in a deep hole to comeback from. The goal was scored after a punchout from a header back into the field by #6 Carlos Santamaria.
Furman has been able to keep Mercer away from goal with 15 minutes left in the first half with several saves by Goalie Aaron Salinas. Under 5 minutes and Furman has had several chances to get a goal but Merecer has played well on defense as we come to the end of the half. The score at halftime 2-0 over Furman as we brace for a back-and-forth battle to the end.
Halftime stats for the Paladins are Saves 2 but Goals on 2, Paladins have 3 fouls, 3. corner kicks, and 5 shots on goal. Mercer of course has 2 scores Nick Wanzer, and Carlos Santamaria as the game became a defensive battle after the two quick goals by Mercer. Great turnout for the Paladins and Mercer Bears here at the stadium. The second will start, as Furman has one half to go to get back in this game and bring home the title.
We are under 10 minutes left in the game as Mercer has kept Furman out of the goal and it is still 2-0 as Furman has little time to make a comeback as the fans have cheered them on all game. The game is over, and Mercer Bears has won the SoCon soccer championship 2-0 in front of a great crowd here at Furman. Congratulations to Mercer and its fans on a great year.
