Box Score GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNCG men's soccer team suffered its first Southern Conference loss of the season Tuesday night as the Spartans fell behind early and couldn't complete the comeback as they dropped a 2-1 decision to Mercer at Bear Field. The loss drops the Spartans to 2-1-0 in SoCon play while Mercer improves to the same record, moving into a tie in the league standings.
UNCG fell behind early, allowing a goal just 1:32 into the game and then fell behind by two goals just over 15 minutes into the game. Mercer opened the scoring in the second minute of the game as it took advantage of a set piece, scoring off a corner kick. Trenton Whitely sent a ball into the box and Conner Antley rammed home a header from the six-yard spot for the early 1-0 lead.
The Bears kept the early pressure on UNCG and scored their second goal at the 15:10 mark of the game. The goal came off another set piece as the initial attempt was cleared by UNCG but Nikolas Tripodi sent the second ball back into the box. Whitely beat the UNCG defender to the back post and one-touched the ball past senior goalkeeper Logan Rohde (Cary, N.C./Greensboro College) for a 2-0 lead.
The Spartans were out-shot by an 8-3 margin in the first half but the second half was a reversal of fortunes as UNCG out-shot Mercer 13-3 in the second 45 minutes. The Spartans kept attacking as the second half went on but could not break through against the Bears' defense. Senior midfielder Ricky Chavez (Barranquilla, Columbia/UNC Pembroke) had a great chance in the 81st minute off a free kick. Chavez ripped a ball over the Mercer wall and was ticketed for the corner, but Mercer goalkeeper Jeremy Booth made a diving save to keep the Spartans off the board.
Booth came up with another big save just seconds later off a corner kick. Forward Alexander Lewis (Arden, N.C./T.C. Roberson) ripped a header on goal but Booth again made a sprawling save. Lewis was able to break through for the Spartans and narrow the gap to 2-1 in the 87th minute. Sophomore midfielder Matteo Busio (Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford) made a run down the middle of the field and slotted a through ball to Lewis who beat Booth one-on-one to the bottom corner.
UNCG kept coming and had chances in the final minutes of the game. Senior forward Damieon Thomas (St. Catherine, Jamaica/Georgia Military Institute) had shots in the final two minutes of the game but Booth was able to keep the ball out of the goal to preserve the victory.
The Spartans finished the game with a 16-11 advantage in shots and a 6-1 edge on corner kicks. Rohde made three saves in just his second loss of the year while Booth came through with six saves in the victory.
UNCG returns to action Saturday night as the Spartans welcome in East Tennessee State. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the UNCG Soccer Stadium.
-- UNCG --
