WKU opens home portion of soccer schedule against Mercer

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The Lady Toppers soccer squad looks to begin the 2014 season with back to back victories, and get their first home victory of the season out of the way today as they’ll welcome in the Southern Conference’s Mercer Bears.

Mercer dropped their season opener to Vanderbilt by a 1-0 margin, with the lone goal coming on a Commodore penalty kick in the 67th minute. The Mercer defense had do defend against 25 shots, and did so rather successfully. Over the last three years, the Lady Bears have a road record of 13-15-5, but have an 8-7 non-conference road record over that same stretch. While those numbers are close, there is a much larger discrepancy when it comes to MU’s record against current C-USA teams – 4-21-4. Ouch.

Returning for the Bears are a pair of 2013 All-Atlantic Sun honorees, Lauren Gassie and Washida Blackman, as well as junior goalie Maggie Cropp, who made three first half saves on Friday against Vandy before giving way to Cristina Mursuli, who played the second 45 minutes.

The Lady Toppers have a tall early season task on their hand, even though Mercer isn’t necessarily a “house hold name,” they took a powerhouse conference team to the brink, and only allowing a goal on the PK late. WKU has drastically outshot their opponents over the past couple of matches (including preseason), and that’ll have to happen again today.

If WKU can put a goal or two (or seven, like in their last home match vs. Murray St.) early, that could deflate a morally high Mercer team and spell a great day at the soccer complex.

First touch is set for 1 p.m. Do you have a prediction for the game? Let us know below or on twitter!