MACON, Ga. – The Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team could not overcome an early 2-0 deficit, and fell on the road at Mercer, 2-1, on Thursday night.
NKU (6-9-1, 3-2-1 Atlantic Sun) conceded two goals in the opening nine minutes, but the defense recollected itself and held Mercer (10-5-1, 5-1 Atlantic Sun) scoreless the rest of the match. The Norse outshot the Bears by a 13-12 margin, and forced Mercer keeper Greg Ranjitsingh to make eight saves. The Norse also took seven corner kicks, three more than Mercer.
The Bears opened their scoring in the fourth minute. Ehjayson Henry found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the year. Ryan King and Richie Edmondson were credited with assists on the play. King's assist gives him eight on the season, which is tops in the Atlantic Sun.
Mercer went ahead by two with another goal in the ninth minute. Edmondson scored his fourth goal of the season on an assist from Henry.
The Norse drew a goal closer in the 23rd minute.
Cian McDonald found the ball, and drilled a curling shot just inside the far post for his first goal of the season, cutting the Mercer lead to 2-1.
NKU had a few scoring chances in the second half, but could not generate the equalizing goal. Seven of the Norse's 13 shots came in the second half, and they took four corner kicks in the match's second period.
“We have competed in every game we've played,” said head coach
John Basalyga. “And we competed well tonight. We had a brain cramp in the first ten minutes then got into a rhythm and played well in the second half. We certainly had our opportunities.”
The Norse will now return home for a two-game home stand that will wrap up their 2012 campaign.
“It's been a very interesting year,” said Basalyga about the heavy road schedule “We've developed quite a bit as a team unit. We've got a lot of positives already form this season. To play as well we have, I'm satisfied but we're not done.”
NKU will host USC Upstate at the NKU Soccer Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 31, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
