MACON, Ga. - UNCG women's soccer is unable to find the second half equalizer this Friday, as hosts Mercer walk away with a 1-0 victory to start the weekend. The Bears would score the lone goal of the evening on a penalty, while starting Spartan goalkeeper Aiyanah Tyler-Cooper finished the night with a season-high eight saves.

The Spartans and Bears combined for 17 shots in the first half, but it was the Mercer keeper that was tested first as Kaley Tucker tallied the first shot on goal of the night during the sixth minute. UNCG reeled off four more shots on goal before the halftime whistle, but Mercer ended picking up the go ahead in the 34th.

With both sides trading chances in a physical matchup, the Bears drew a call inside the 18 a little more than midway through the first half, converting their fourth penalty of the 2020/21 season. This is the second match in a row that Mercer has drawn a PK. The Bears scored a pen in the 80th minute of their recent matchup against The Citadel to force extra time and go on to win in overtime. 

The Spartans and Bears traded yellow cards in the opening 45 minutes, but the pair would finish the night with four apiece. UNCG's four yellows are the most the team has had in two decades.

UNCG nearly found the equalizer early in the second half. After drawing a corner during the 47th, the Spartans reeled off three straight shots on goal but were unable to convert. Kayla Campbell created another chance off a set piece opportunity, but the Spartans would not test the Mercer netminder for the final 39 minutes, as the final read 1-0 in favor of the home team after 90. 

>>> UNCG's loss to the Bears breaks up a three-match win streak the Spartans had running against Mercer
>>> Tyler-Cooper's eight stops are the most she's had since making 11 against Arkansas to kick off the 2019 season. She had four in the first half and four in the second half
>>> Kayla Campbell tied for a team-high with three shots, all of which were on target. Her three shots on goal are a new career-high for the junior

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