The Bears played their last home game on Saturday, Oct. 26, against the University of North Florida Ospreys. Before the game, the Bears took a moment to honor the six seniors on the team: Ehjayson Henry, Joey Heavner, Ryan King, Brady O’Brien, Cole Mitchell and Micheal Lewis. Saturday’s game marked the last time these six seniors would play on Bear field.
Many of the seniors’ family and friends were present at the game to support the Bears in their last home game.
“It was a great honor to be a part of senior night,” said King. “After being a part of the Mercer Men’s Soccer team for four years it was incredible to have the parents get to join us in a celebration of the program and its accomplishments.”
Unfortunately, the Bear’s could not pull out a win against the Osprey’s. Mercer goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh had four saves during the game. This moves him with 14 saves of breaking into the top-20 for the most saves in a career in Atlantic Sun Conference history.
In addition, Heavner recorded his 75th career start, breaking the all-time Mercer record and moving into a tie for third for the most games started in a career in A-Sun Conference history.
Despite these accomplishments, the Ospreys were able to score giving the Bears a 0-1 loss.
“We created great opportunities and had great chances to win the game,” said King. “The season has been tough, but we're hopeful moving forward that we will be able to find a way into the conference tournament and make a run.”
The Bears stayed positive as they travelled to Georgia State on Oct. 29.
The Panthers scored quickly within the first 30 minutes of the game. However, the Bears were able to answer after halftime as Juan Jose Morales scored to tie the game at 1-1.
Sadly, the Panthers broke the tie before the Bears did, allowing them to win the game 1-2.
The Bears returned to conference play as they travelled to Northern Kentucky on Saturday.
The Bears earned a huge win over the Norse on Saturday. Not only did the win end NKU’s six game winning streak, but it boosted the Bears into sixth place in the A-Sun making them eligible for the conference tournament.
The score was tie at 0-0 at the end of regulation play. The Bears bested the Norse just four minutes into overtime as Henry, assisted by King and Heavner, scored the game-winning goal.
Henry’s goal and Heavner’s assist tied the two seniors in the record books. Henry ties Del Olaoye for most goals in a season, while Heavner ties Max Rooke for career assists.
The Bears will carry this momentum as they travel to their last regular season game against Lipscomb on Nov. 9.
