The Mercer Bears scored once in each half, en route to a 2-0 win over the VMI Keydets in Southern Conference women’s soccer action Sunday at Patchin Field in Lexington.
The match was scoreless until the 41st minute, when Sydney Brogden of Mercer (7-6-3, 4-2-1 SoCon) juked around a VMI (6-11, 2-6) defender and sent a arcing shot over VMI goalkeeper Darien Dunham to give the visitors a lead they would not surrender. Haleigh Svede added a second half goal to account for the final margin.
Mercer threatened Dunham early, but the Keydet keeper made saves in both the 13th and 16th minutes to keep the match scoreless. Sarah Daane had a near miss at 17:51, when she stepped in front of a Dunham pass and appeared to have a chance to score lower left. Daane pushed the shot wide, however, and it remained 0-0.
Dunham made another stop at 35:40, but the next shot on goal was Brogden’s goal, her first of the season to open the scoring at 40:19. That accounted for the halftime score of 1-0, Mercer.
Svede added on in the 58th minute. A Maddie Clark shot was stopped by Dunham, but Svede was right there for the rebound and quick putback to put the visitors up, 2-0. Clark was credited with the assist on the play, and that accounted for the final margin.
Dunham had six saves for the Keydets, while Maggie Cropp was credited with just one for Mercer. There was only one corner kick in the match, taken by Mercer.
VMI women’s soccer returns to action Thursday, when the Keydets take on Delaware State at Patchin Field. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.