soccer

Women’s soccer claims second in A-Sun

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Published Oct 24, in Soccer, Sports

In the last four games of the season, the Mercer women’s soccer team has won three of those matches, claimed a first-round bye in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament, and broken a program record for wins in a season with 12 on the year. It is no doubt that head coach Tony Economopoulos has had a successful debut season for the Bears, and he looks to continue that success going into the conference tournament.
On Oct. 12 the women’s soccer team took on the Dolphins from Jacksonville University. The first half of play saw both teams go back and forth. Neither side was able to break through and get the important first goal, although Mercer did have the best chance of the half.
In the 20th minute, sophomore Tess Patton took a shot that hit off the far post and back into play to keep the game level.
The Orange and Black would not waste any time coming out of the halftime break and jumped in front of the Dolphins in the early moments of the second half. Sophomore Lauren Gassie cut inside on the left edge of the 18-yard box and hit a shot that was saved by Jacksonville’s goalkeeper Jill D’Amico. However, the rebound went right to sophomore forward Washida Blackman who drilled a shot into the back of the net to give Mercer a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute.
This was all the Bears needed to claim the victory over their competitors and with this win they clinched a spot in the conference tournament.
“We had a game plan coming in of how we wanted to play against this team because they played a different formation,” said Economopoulos. “We came out and we executed well. We dominated the game statistically, we created quite a few chances, and we knew coming in that if we got a result tonight we would clinch a spot in the postseason,” added Economopoulos.
The next game for the Orange and Black was against North Florida. It was the team’s last home game of the season, so in tradition they honored the seniors who have served this team for four years. Seniors P.A Upson and Danielle Hesse were both recognized prior to the match.
The team helped send out their two seniors in resounding fashion as they claimed a rousing 3-0 victory.
The Bears scored their first goal just 52 seconds into the match. Sophomore Tess Patton collected a loose ball in the UNF box, pushed through two Osprey defenders, and drilled a shot past the UNF keeper to put Mercer ahead.
Patton did not rest on her laurels though as she scored her second goal of the game in the 19th minute. Junior forward Nadja Kolliesuah dribbled past her defender on the right side of the field and sent in a cross to Patton. Patton settled the ball and volleyed it into the back of the net putting the Bears up 2-0.
Mercer earned their third goal just seven minutes later. Sophomore Lauren Gassie sent in a corner kick that found the head of junior transfer Devon Fry to put the team up 3-0.
Mercer held the 3-0 advantage going into halftime and was not able to put in any more goals in the second half. Although the Bears slowed down offensively in the second half, their defense remained strong and was able to keep a clean sheet.
Head coach Economopoulos and his squad then traveled to Deland, Fla. to take on the Hatters of Stetson University. The Bears scored a goal in each half to secure the 2-0 win and a first-round bye in the conference tournament.
“We knew coming [in] that it was going to be a tough environment and they were playing very relaxed,” said Economopoulos. “We knew we had struggled against them in recent years in the regular season, but I challenged my seniors to go out and win and we were able to get the result, so I am very happy.”
The Bears netted their first goal in the 28th minute of the match. Senior Danielle Hesse collected a pass from Washida Blackman and put the ball in the back of the net from eight yards out.
The team would not score again in the first half, but found the net in the second.
Junior Casey Barrett put the game out of reach. Tess Patton sent in a free kick that ricocheted off of the Stetson goalkeeper. The rebound found Barrett in the box and she put it away for her third goal of the season.
The Bears were now in a perfect position. With a win or tie against their next opponents, the Bears would secure the first regular season title since 2008. The team looked to exact revenge as they lost to the same team they would be playing for the regular season conference championship that they played against in the previous season in the conference tournament.
Unfortunately, the Orange and Black could not find the net and lost the match to a talented squad from Florida Gulf Coast University.
“It was a great battle between the two top teams in the conference,” said Economopoulos. “It could have gone either way, but you have to give them credit. They are a great team.”
With the loss the Bears gave up tournament hosting rights to the Eagles of FGCU. After a bye in the first round, the team will hit the field in Ft. Myers, Fla. on Nov. 2 for the semi-finals.

U.S. Women’s Soccer: Gold and a bust

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Published Aug 15, in Opinions

I became enamored with the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) when they won over the hearts of many during a miraculous win over Brazil in the 2011 Women’s World Cup. Unfortunately the USWNT lost in the finals against Japan in penalty kicks. Despite the loss, the USWNT was greeted with a warm welcome and a spike in nationwide interest in women’s soccer. I have always been upset with the way people view women’s soccer. Many times women soccer players are seen as weaker and slower and unable to keep up with male soccer players. I disagree to a degree. I don’t really enjoy watching some of the men’s professionl soccer games because they can become so melodramatic. Half the time they throw themselves on the ground asking for a non-call. If you see a female player doing that on the field they get chastised. It’s almost expected that women have the “male” mentality when they get hurt on the field. A common phrase among my teammates when we get knocked around or cut up is, “Be a man. Rub some dirt in it!” And we get back up running. Men are allowed to take their time getting up without being seen as weak to onlookers. The expectations for behavior create an unequal playing field that demeans the quality of women’s professional soccer. I do admit that women’s soccer is slower pace, but that does not take away from the drama that ensues when the USWNT steps on the field — buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Before the 2012 Summer olympics came olympic qualifying games. The U.S. Men’s team fell short and was unable to qualify, but the U.S. Women’s team came out undefeated. I watched every single game that I could get my hands on and I was never disappointed by what I watched. Once the olympics started I planned my schedule around every single women’s soccer match, especially the USWNT’s games. The USWNT won a gut wrenching, emotional, yet exhilarating semi-final match against Canada that secured the U.S. a spot in the finals, a rematch against Japan – the reigning world champions. We defeated Japan 2-1 and received gold, the third consecutive olympic gold in women’s soccer. However, back in May, the Women’s Professional Soccer league announced a permanent suspension of operation for the upcoming season. According to the WPS press release, the league had put too much money into legal issues. The highly unprofessional team manager of MagicJack filed suit against the league and the WPS did not have the funds to support a counterattack and run the league at the same time. They also didn’t want to run the risk of working with him during the season and regretfully saw no other way out of their situation.
I hate that some team managers feel the need to power play even when they are in a position of power. Not only does it hurt the image of U.S. Women’s soccer, but it also hurts the players. A comment was made in an ESPN article that the suspension of the professional league was positive because it provides the USWNT more time to play together, but I think that’s a poor response to this inherent problem. The USWNT made a name for Women’s soccer and I find the fact that they doesn’t have a professional league to come home to insulting. Our national team is doing something wonderful for the sport of soccer and they have no way of keeping the interest alive outside of national games. Fortunately, there is talk of the formation of a new league in the Spring of 2013. For now I will grumble about not being able to watch Atlanta Beat games, the local WPS team, and be content with watching the USWNT whenever I can.

Athletes prepare for upcoming seasons, strive towards success

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Published Aug 15, in Sports

As the school year begins, several athletic teams across campus are already in preparation for their competitive seasons.
Men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, and volleyball have all begun preseason training.
The men’s soccer team brings a wealth of experience onto the pitch this fall. Led by Atlantic Sun Conference first team member Josh Shutter and second team member Joey Heavner, the bears look to improve upon last year’s Atlantic Sun semi-final performance.
From his center-back position, Shutter was able to amass an impressive three goals and four assists, while Heavner was credited for one goal and seven assists. Shutter was also named to the preseason All-Conference team.
Last year’s leading goal scorers junior Ehjay Henry and senior captain Will Betts will look to have yet another impressive season on the field. Last year, Henry and Betts both tallied five goals apiece to pace the bears towards a successful season.
With eleven freshmen added to the squad the bears should be all set to have another successful season. The bears were predicted to finish fourth in the Atlantic Sun conference.
Head women’s coach, Tony Economopoulos, enters his first year as head coach for the bears. Economopoulos and the women’s soccer team looks to improve upon last year’s impressive run that saw them in the Atlantic Sun Tournament Finals.
Unfortunately, the bears came up short in that final, but the bitterness of last year’s defeat is sure to be fresh in their minds. Junior Nikki Atkinson, who had a stellar sophomore season in goal for the bears, is set to be the net minder for the bears again this year. Atkinson boasted a 0.74 goals against average while amassing an incredible .806 goals against average.
Also leading the bears is senior captain P.A Upson. Upson had an incredible season in the back line for the bears last year. Upson was one of the few people to play in all 20 matches for the bears last year, and was able to score two goals as well as tally two assists.
Also returning is sophomore Washida Blackman, who tallied four goals in her freshman year.
Women’s volleyball is also working to improve upon last year’s performance under former head coach Noelle Rooke. In the winter, Rooke was replaced by current head coach Damian Elder. Elder began making improvements to his squad last spring during the Sand Volleyball season, and is continuing to push his players to become better all around the court.
Leading attacker for the bears last year was senior Jennifer Katona. Katona was able to knock down 255 kills last year.
Also returning for the bears is senior setter, Monica Sanchez. Sanchez was able to dish out 504 assists last year, and looks to continue to be the playmaker for the bears this fall.
Men’s and women’s cross country is looking to have another impressive year. The men’s team is led by Junior Sony Prosper and Seniors Jacob Law and Chris Svidesskis.
The women’s team’s front runner is Kacie Niemann. Both squads look to steadily improve throughout the year to make a run at a conference title.
This fall should be an interesting one for the bears with several head coach changes within the athletic department. Despite the new personnel, each team is expected to have a positive and successful season.

Women’s soccer outduels Jacksonville, advances to Atlantic Sun semi-finals

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Published Nov 2, in Soccer, Sports

After winning their way in, the Mercer Bears women’s soccer team has advanced to the Atlantic Sun semifinal with a thrilling penalty shoot out win over Jacksonville University. Despite being the sixth and lowest seed for the tournament, the Bears are trying to defend their title from last year and return to the NCAA tournament. However, the path to get here was one that has most of the Atlantic Sun scratching their heads. As of Oct. 29, the Bears are 9-7-2 overall, with a rematch with East Tennessee State looming in the semifinal. ETSU was recently awarded with the player, freshman and coach of the year for the Atlantic Sun.

The Path to Defend the Title
Mercer 1, USC-Upstate 0
The Bears needed a win, and for the second-straight game, freshman Washida Blackman scored a dramatic game-winning goal. The Bears took control of their postseason destiny even more with the comprehensive win on the road. For the ninth time this season, the Bears held their opponent scoreless and grinded out a win. They held USC Upstate to just two shots in the match, with neither getting on target. Meanwhile, the Bears had several players who got at least two shots off, and Emerald Phillips threatened the goal four times. After weeks of Head Coach Grant Serafy demanding that his players needed “heart” to win, he said that the Bears “had a very good performance.” The Bears finally lived up to expectations, controlling their own destiny because of this result.

ETSU 2, Mercer 1
Mercer suffered a huge blow to their postseason aspirations, but due to other results around the conference, this tough 2-1 loss against the ETSU Lady Bucs was nothing more than a sour end to the regular season and snapped a two-game winning streak. The Bears went up early behind Olivia Tucker’s ninth goal of the year in the eighth minute. However, ETSU rallied, with a winner in the 81st minute after an equalizer in the first half. ETSU keeper Caitlin Gaughan played phenomenally, with six saves to stop the Bears from assuring a playoff spot on their own. Coach Serafy gave all the credit to ETSU for stepping up and making a play “when they needed it.” The win gave ETSU the A-Sun  co-championship.
Mercer 1, Jacksonville 1 (Mercer 4-2 on PKs)
Whenever a conference champion has several individuals return from the winning squad, they never can be brushed aside in the postseason. Despite being the sixth and lowest seed and having clinched a spot due to some beneficial results around the conference, the Mercer Bears women’s soccer team marched into Jacksonville, forced overtime late, and capped off a penalty shootout win to advance. Olivia Tucker was one of four Bears who scored in the shootout, but hers eliminated the Dolphins, one of three teams to win the Atlantic Sun regular season title. The Bears had just one shot on target all game, but it did not matter. Casey Barrett’s goal was her first since Sept. 16 against Presbyterian.

The Bears are next in action on Friday, Nov. 4 against ETSU in Fort Myers, Fla. The Bears look to avenge their defeat from two weeks ago, but both squads are looking to play in the final and have a chance for NCAA glory.

EA’s ‘FIFA 2012′ brings soccer to life

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Published Oct 19, in Entertainment, Reviews

After what was thought to be the pinnacle of soccer games in FIFA 11 (minus the infamously buggy career mode), no one thought that the sequel could outshine it to a high extent. FIFA 12 proved to everyone that EA Sports would continue to put out stellar versions of the game. After several years of merely upgrading the game functionality and performance, the latest addition to the FIFA series of soccer simulation games was a radical overhaul. Gone were some of the basics, some good and some bad, but the game itself proved to be about the best possible. One of the few mistakes anyone found within the game is something that wasn’t even EA Sports’ faults, but outsiders!
The biggest change to the game is the defensive control system. Now, players defend much better, letting less runs into the box that are wide open and unrealistic. When one watches a soccer game, plays on the breakaway are not as frequent, which is something that FIFA had not been able to truly replicate. Due to this, games all too often had ridiculous scorelines like 8-6 or even 4-4, results that are not that common in the competitive leagues – minus the amazing play of Manchester United and Barcelona this year. Now, the defense can play as a whole, forming a fluid wall of containment, which makes tactics and creativity all the more important. While I have been able to get to nine and ten goals per game, it’s more due to be knowing how to play the game and being a longtime veteran. This adds so much realism to the game that I get very excited just getting to watch games.
It feels like it could be a real game at times, with the teams playing like teams, like their real counterparts. The new player engine has actually added in some interesting characteristics to players, such as Barcelona’s Dani Alves making runs up the pitch more often than other left backs normally would. This has allowed for players to more receptive to button commands, and it actually seems believable now with certain players. Combined a rather large amount of numerical possibilities for different traits and attributes, players and teams are able to fit a gamer’s choice of play styles.
The career mode was overhauled in the transfer period. It is one of the most dramatic and fun periods for soccer fans to see how their teams will change, and the final day is a drama-filled mess. Now, the career mode will slow down and not just pass by days but by minutes and hours as the final days of the transfer period happen. Deals can and will happen, making the game much more entertaining and replay-worthy.
Nevertheless, the number of teams playable did shrink this year, but that isn’t as much a coding problem or lack of effort on EA Sports part. Representatives from the company must negotiate the rights to the teams and leagues for use in the game, and if the costs are too much, EA Sports will not be able to get them into the game. The Turkish league is no longer in the game, leading many to complain that teams in Champions League play are not available, but this has been nothing new. For years, great teams from small countries have not been able to be in the game, such as Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), Partizan Belgrade (Serbia), and Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine).
EA Sports got around this with a fully functional program online that allows individuals to make their own teams and rosters and import them into the game. This is a paid addition for all of the features, but the basic program allows for many teams to be added in. I am a fan of the Peruvian League, and it allows me to play with Alianza Lima against their arch-rival Universitario, a rivalry match that saw the most recent iteration have an Alianza fan die at the hands of Universitario fanatics. At any rate, this is a great thing to add in, and I have loved it even more because you can use other players’ creations.
In essence, FIFA 12 is a great addition to anyone’s game library. It needs to be played by lots of people, because it also increases soccer’s visibility in the United States. More of my fans now know about basic and advanced soccer tactics, the history of the game, and players around the world. You should pick it up, and if you have a PS3, add me on there: mercergarret. I’ll happily take you on in any game mode.

Viva la sport!

AFC Wimbleton represents all Cinderellas

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Published Oct 19, in Soccer, Sports, Viva la Sport!

Most Americans have no idea what promotion and relegation means in the sports world. Many foreign leagues use this for sports such as basketball and soccer, where they have several tiers of competitive play and more than enough teams in the top level to go around. The best leagues have this simply based on the worst few teams getting dropped down a level, and the best teams in the next tier getting promoted to higher levels of play the next year. American sports leagues, despite the massive amount of farm leagues and minor leagues, are based on a franchise system that is solely based on the bottom line. A team will never be relegated, because the owners of the teams have signed a contract with the league to field a team in that league in that city.
However, I digress. The simple system of promotion and relegation means that there are Cinderella teams every year that seem to reach new levels, attempting the impossible and breaking through. George Mason University, the team that ran to the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship five years ago, has nothing on AFC Wimbledon. AFC Wimbledon is a team currently in the fourth level of the English soccer pyramid: npower League Two. The crazy part is how they got there.
Who is AFC Wimbledon? Well, the Dons, as they are affectionately called, are the 2002 creation of some pretty upset fans. Wimbledon Football Club was formed in 1899, and they were never much of a factor until the 1970s. In 1977, they capped off a Cinderella run by getting out of semi-pro and amateur leagues and into the top levels. Just nine years later, the club made into the highest level of soccer in England. They would win the highest trophy, the FA Cup, in 1988, but there were no other championships. In 2000, the club was relegated amid financial problems and resulting poor play.
With stadium seating an issue, Wimbledon was told they should move to Milton Keynes, a new town with space to build a proper stadium. In late 2000, a group of buyers approached the club representing the city of Milton Keynes, and despite fierce opposition, the buyers eventually won out after a long arbitration and appeal process. Wimbledon F.C. left, leaving thousands of angry fans in their wake. The Football Association, the governing body that had established an independent commission to decide whether the move was in line with all of the policies, was strongly opposed to the move as well.
Wimbledon F.C. became known as “Franchise F.C.”, and just weeks later, Kris Stewart, an accountant who hated the move, was the founding chairman of AFC Wimbledon. Later on, AFC would be called the spiritual successor of the original Wimbledon, and AFC claims the trophies won by their predecessor. However, the first chapter was written in what has become one of the greatest success stories ever in soccer, with the knowledge of said events becoming more and more prevalent.
While Wimbledon F.C. played a few more seasons, continuing to flounder and be relegated before the transformation into Milton Keynes Dons Football Club, AFC Wimbledon held an open try-out for three days in June 2002 for anyone willing to play. This shows that the move all along was not to preserve the history and integrity of Wimbledon F.C. but merely a way to buy a club and not build one from scratch. Anyway, AFC Wimbledon didn’t need any history or legacy, because their raucous fans, fans who were all part-owners of the team as a part of the one-fan, one-vote philosophy of the Dons Trust, were literally willing them to win.
AFC Wimbledon applied to the Isthmian League – also known as the Ryman League for sponsorship reasons, but they were denied entrance into this part of the seventh level of the English soccer pyramid. They were eventually admitted into the Combined Counties League (CCL), one of the leagues in the ninth level of the pyramid. With a hastily created team, they played a friendly in front of 4,657 fans in which they lost 4-0 to Sutton United at their home of Kingsmeadow. Kingsmeadow is known as The Cherry Red Records Fans’ Stadium, with the Fans’ part of the name emphasizing the club’s amazing beginning. AFC want to eventually return home, but paying off outstanding debts in the club’s creation are the primary goal.
The Dons would go on to finish third in the 2002-2003 CCL, winning their last 11 league games. They had an average attendance of well over 3,000, which actually was higher than the attendance at Wimbledon F.C. matches in Milton Keynes. In the following season, the Dons would win their first 21 matches in route to an unbeaten season (unbeaten in soccer includes wins and draws) and a first place finish, ensuring promotion in just their second season. They would also win the CCL cup, giving them an elusive double (when a team wins both the league and the cup tournament in the same year).
Playing in the Ryman/Isthmian Division One for the 2004-2005 season, the eighth step in the pyramid, AFC smashed the competition, leading all season and earning a second successive promotion, this one to the seventh step of the pyramid and the place that originally turned them down just three years prior, the Ryman/Isthmian Premier League. While they would win the Surrey Senior Cup that year, there would not be a third straight promotion. Albeit qualifying for the promotion playoffs (some leagues have a few teams playoff for a final promotion spot), they would get defeated 1-0 by Fisher Athletic F.C.. The 2005-2006 season did not fair much better, as AFC would finish fifth overall, missing the playoffs, and they were also part of an illegal player debate that was resolved with the governing body discovering it was just an error. The Dons’ magic seemed to be running out after back-to-back years of not being promoted.
Nevertheless, the 2007-2008 season saw AFC stun Staines Town 2-1 in the playoff final, after the Dons had finished third overall. AFC Wimbledon had won their way into the Conference South, where yet again, the club won back-to-back promotions, finding themselves into the Conference National or the fifth level of the English soccer pyramid for the 2009-2010 season. They had been one of the top clubs all season, but they would not win the title until the final day of the season.
Life in the fifth level of the pyramid was another wake-up call for the Dons, as they had their lowest finish ever at eighth for that first season. They were some 35 points off the leaders. Things would change the next season, as AFC would still finish fifteen points off the pace of the leaders, Crawley Town – a team amid scandal of their own with unpaid debts and no homegrown talent, simply buying players, but their second place ensured them a spot in the Football League promotion playoff. AFC would win 8-1 on aggregate in the first round, and then, with the penalty shootout tied at three apiece, 2009-2010 AFC Wimbledon Player of the Year Danny Kedwell scored to beat Luton Town in the final.
In just nine years, AFC Wimbledon had gone from the ninth level up to the fourth level of the English soccer pyramid. This season, their tenth, has gone smoothly still. Before the recent international break, as of Oct. 6, AFC Wimbledon were in fourth overall, just two points back from first place. Fourth means promotion playoff. While the first five promotions were sweet, this one would be the best to date, if it happens.
Currently, in the npower League One, MK Dons, the team that stole the original Wimbledon F.C. away, is high in the table. While they are second, MK Dons is just three points away from not even qualifying for the promotion playoffs. If it all works out, AFC Wimbledon could be playing their first even matches with MK Dons in the 2012-2013 season in npower League One. Even if MK Dons is promoted, there is nothing to say that AFC won’t follow them there in two more seasons. That derby match would be something to see.
AFC Wimbledon’s success with a small group of fans behind them is nothing short of legendary. I’m sure if this team is promoted to the Premier League in the next few years, then there will be a movie about it. This is the real Cinderella story for sports, because everyone was against them, but they’ve found a way to keep winning. I’m currently trying to become a member of the Dons Trust, and lend my support. While I’ve loved Barcelona for well over a decade and Seattle Sounders since their MLS inception, AFC Wimbledon has made me all the happier.
They’re sponsored by a Sega subsidiary this year, giving them even more legitimacy with some official looking blue and yellow kits. Recently, FC United of Manchester was a new club that was created by former fans of Manchester United unhappy with the club leadership. They are directly inspired by the success of AFC Wimbledon.
I hope I get to see AFC get promotion in real life. For now, I’m stuck with playing FIFA 12 and playing them into the Premier League. Interestingly, npower League Two is the lowest level of the English soccer pyramid that is in the FIFA series. This is their first year in the game, leading to that many more people finding their team and discovering their story.
In essence, this is the real Cinderella story of sports, and the clock doesn’t seem like it’s going to strike midnight for AFC Wimbledon anytime soon. For more information about them, their website is pretty good to find contact info and info about the team in general. You probably wont find them on television, but there are lots of websites with people who will stream these lower league games online. Seriously, watch them. It might not be Manchester United versus Chelsea, but it’s still good soccer.

Women’s soccer in must-win in final two games

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Published Oct 19, in Soccer, Sports

After a 2010 season that saw the Mercer Bears Women’s Soccer team reach the NCAA tournament, many picked them as potential dark horses in the conference, if not frontrunners. Now, with two games left, the Bears are at 8-6-1 overall and 2-4-1 in Atlantic Sun Play, and they hold the sixth and final spot in the postseason tournament if they win out. With only three spots left and just one team eliminated from the 10 squads, the Bears look back at a first half of October to forget.

JU 1, Mercer 0 (2OT)
For the third time this season, the Bears lost in overtime, but this was a little more devastating to the girls, as the double overtime loss meant the Bears had a three game losing streak for the first time since September 2010. Jacksonville outshot Mercer 16-15, but it was not until the next to last minute of the second overtime that the Dolphins had success. Jacksonville’s Raquel Weckhurst chipped a shot over Mercer’s goalkeeper Cagney Valloch, who had three great saves prior. Mercer had nothing left after the first overtime period, in which five shots either sailed wide or were knocked away.

FGCU 1, Mercer 0
For the final homestand of the season, the Bears looked to rebound from the tough losses to conference foes. However, the Bears did not have an answer for FGCU and their 78th minute winner from Kayley Clay after a questionable period of play. Head Coach Grant Serafy had no excuses for his girls. When speaking with the Mercer Bears’ athletics website, he said, “[the Bears] have given away too many games…we have chances to win these games and it’s just been a lack of heart.” The Bears do need heart to make the playoffs at this point, as the loss to FGCU left them on the outside looking in for a playoff spot.

Stetson 2, Mercer 2 (2OT)
After a fourth straight loss, Mercer took the field on Parent Appreciation Night against the Stetson Hatters. For the fourth time this year, the Bears went to overtime. However, for the first time, the Bears walked away with a positive result. A draw gave the Bears new life in the Atlantic Sun table, for Olivia Tucker and Patricia Ann-Upson’s goals were the first ones since Sept. 23 for the Bears. Despite the late equalizer and an inability to find the net later on, the Bears put themselves in control of their own destiny. Stetson committed 30 fouls against the Bears, as they ruthlessly tried to leapfrog Mercer in the standings. It could not stop Tucker from her eighth goal of the season though, nor could it stop Upson’s header off an Emerald Phillips free kick. Coach Serafy continued to say his players needed “heart” and wants someone to step up and make plays. Also of note, Olivia Tucker’s 31st goal of her career continued her reign as the active leader in goals scored in the Atlantic Sun.

Mercer 1, Kennesaw St. 0
After three weeks without a victory, the Mercer Bears won their final home game of the season, a 1-0 decision over the Kennesaw State Owls. The Bears had to win this match, and they did indeed. The win on Senior Night bid a good farewell to a talented group of Mercer seniors. This is the second straight win for the Bears over the Owls after dropping their first seven meetings. Washida Blackman’s 31st header secured it alongside great defense from the Bears.

The Mercer Bears Women’s Soccer have a very tough task ahead of them in their final two games. On Oct. 21, the Bears travel to Spartanburg, S.C. to play USC-Upstate. The Trojans are winless in Atlantic Sun play, but this does not mean they are going to be an easy match for the Bears. Mercer did win 2-1 at home last year, but the recent wins over VMI and Alabama State in Spartanburg will help give the Trojans confidence. The Bears will also have to look out for Michelle Calmeyn, who has 20 shots on goal and three goals on the year.
Just two days later, the Bears will be in Johnson City, Tenn. as they take on their arch-rival East Tennessee State Bucs. The Bears control their destiny to finish sixth in the conference, but they must win versus an opponent that has two scorers in the double digits: Genna Petersen and Jenna Caudle. While Mercer won last season’s match-up, the Bucs are undefeated in conference play at 6-0 as of Oct.14. Mercer wins, and they’re in. A loss in any game will mean that they need help with other results to continue their season a week later in the Atlantic Sun conference tournament.

Plethora of Intramural events begin, end

I.M.M.E.R.S.E.

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Published Oct 19, in I.M.M.E.R.S.E., Sports

With the beginning of tennis and football upon us, ultimate Frisbee entering the playoffs and dodgeball’s regular season completed, it’s an exciting time for all those teams hoping for the coveted championship t-shirts.
In dodgeball, eight teams remain in a single elimination bracket that will be played out on Oct. 22 during Mercer Madness. It is win or go home for the six-man squads.
As far as flag football is concerned, it is one of the most exciting sports that Intramurals has to offer. It brings in one of the highest participations throughout the year. “We had 61 teams signed up to play and we’re looking forward to a great season,” said Assistant Director of Intramurals Todd Thomas.
Announcements:
-Captain’s quizzes are now available on IMleagues.com for all captains to complete. It is mandatory that these quizzes are taken and passed with a score of 100 percent. Captains will have to watch two short video clips before taking the 15-question quiz. It is up to the captains to relay the information from the videos to their teammates in order to smoothly carry out the football season.
-This year, games will be played at one of two separate locations. Due to the construction of the new football stadium, there is one field located behind the softball field that will be known as the “IM softball field”. The second location will be behind the soccer field and near the lacrosse practice field. This will be known as the “IM lacrosse field”.
-Also, it is very important that all participants of Intramurals DO NOT cross over the designated practice area between Bear Field and the IM lacrosse field. This includes when practice is not in progress.
-Finally, there will be a Halloween 5k ran at Macon State on Oct. 27. There will be food, music, tshirts, and prizes given to those who place in the event or run in the event with the best Halloween costume. The registration fee is only $5 for Mercer students and the registration form can be found on the front page of IMLeagues.com.
Congratulations to the following teams for winning their respective soccer leagues:

Men’s Comp: Phi Delta Theta defeated Hatchcock’s Heroes (1-0)

Men’s Rec: Los Lobos defeated the White Coats (3-2)

Women’s: Alpha Delta Pi defeated Chi Omega (5-3)

Co-rec: APO & Friends defeated Men & Cripples (5-1)

Men’s soccer looks to improve conference luck

By:
Published Oct 19, in Soccer, Sports

October hasn’t been a good month for the Mercer men’s soccer team with only one win in four games.
The first of the four was a 2-1 home game loss to Jacksonville. This game brought to an end their previous four-game winning streak. It turned out to be a tense and physical game with nine combined yellow cards. Mercer’s goal came from a free kick scored in the 74th minute by Josh Shutter.  About 10 minutes later on in the game, Mercer had a great opportunity to tie the match in the 85th minute when junior Richie Edmondson got a hold of a loose ball. His shot went wide off the mark.
The second game against Florida Gulf Coast, ranked number 25, was a 2-1 heartbreaking loss in overtime. FGCU scored a shot on goal in the 19th minute. This game also got pretty heated with 28 combined fouls and five yellow cards. In the 27th minute, a FGCU senior got his second yellow card, leaving the Florida team to play with a man down. The first goal scored was by Mercer’s Josh Shutter thanks to a free kick from Joey Heavner. The Eagles managed to tie the game in the 56th minute. The Eagles would go on to score their game-winning goal in the third minute of the overtime period.
The third game was a home match against Stetson. The Bears dropped the contest 1-0 in overtime. This marked their second-consecutive one-goal defeat past regulation. This game was made more difficult thanks to rain and strong wind. The game was scoreless for the first and second half with a few chances for Mercer to score that came up fruitless. Stetson scored a low shot in overtime to give them the win.
The fourth game was a non-conference home game against Central Arkansas that ended in a 1-0 Mercer victory. This game set Mercer’s non-conference record to 5-3-1. Will Betts scored in the fifth minute with an assist from Carl Anderson. The goal was Betts’ fifth of the season. That leads the squad. In the second half of the game, both teams had plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. Three shots from Mercer were off the post. Six high kicks ended up in the bleachers. The Bears’ defense buckled down and held Central Arkansas off the scoreboard for the shutout victory.
Mercer’s record moved to 6-6-1 after the 1-3 span in recent weeks. Their conference record stands at 1-3 as well.
They look to keep momentum on their side as they face South Carolina Upstate at home on Oct. 19.

Recreational leagues set to kick off in early September

By:
Published Aug 18, in Sports

Make way for another exciting year with the annual intramural leagues. Designed with all the student body in mind, these programs have all kinds of sporting activities that can suit the taste of even the pickiest of Mercer sports enthusiasts.
Coming this fall, Mercer offers season-long leagues of soccer, football and volleyball. If that weren’t enough, the Intramurals program also offers tournaments of three-on-three basketball, ultimate Frisbee, tennis, table tennis, and the sport that tells of the tale of underdogs, dodgeball.
As the program has developed through the years, it is now required for any participating members to sign up for an account on IMleagues.com before participating in these events. The team captains can sign up and create his/her team by visiting the website as well. Once a team has been created, a captain’s meeting will be held before the start of the season in order to explain the overall rules and regulations of the event. Once teams have been briefed by their team captain’s on how the sport and leagues are to be played, games will begin.
To go along with the obvious camaraderie that intramurals bring, the events carry a sense of competition and edge like nothing else. Whether it is the friends becoming foes or foes becoming friends, there is nothing like stepping onto a field or court a few times a week with peers that sit alongside us in classrooms.
This fall, whether you are a fan of futbol or American football, one thing is entirely certain, days are going to come, days or going to go, games will be played and champions will be crowned.
Sign up for intramurals today at IMleagues.com and take a step closer to garnering the all-desired championship t-shirts.

Entry Dates:
Soccer:
Deadline to register is Aug. 29.
Playing dates (tentative) are Sept. 1 to Oct. 4.

Football:
Deadline to register (tentative) is Oct. 5.
Playing dates (tentative) are Oct. 10 to Nov. 21.

Volleyball:
Deadline to register (tentative) is Nov. 9.
Playing dates (tentative) are Nov. 15 to Dec. 8.

3v3 Basketball – Sept. 7
Ultimate – Sept. 21
Tennis Singles – Oct. 12
Table Tennis – Oct. 19
Dodgeball – Oct. 26

Fall 2010 Champions:
Soccer
Co-Rec: Phi Delt &
Phi Mu
Men’s Comp: ThatsWhatSheSaid
Men’s Rec: TalkinBout      Rampage
Women’s: Chi Omega

Football:
Co-Rec: ADPi/ATO
Men’s Comp: The Has Bens
Men’s Rec: Public Enema
Women’s: WANTED

Volleyball:
Co-Rec: A-Sun Champs
Men’s Comp: ATO
Men’s Rec: Circle the Wagons
Women’s: Phi Mu

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