Troy Soccer Falls in Pre-Season Scrimmage

Thursday, August 12

Macon, GA

7:00 p.m.

Troy University

Mercer University

8/12/2010 10:00:56 PM | Soccer

By: Ben Maxwell

Box Score

MACON, Ga. - With the start of the regular season just eight days away, the Troy University women's soccer team hit the pitch against Mercer University Thursday night in preseason action.

However, the match did not go as anticipated in the early stages for the Trojans, as Mercer scored just 16 minutes in on an unassisted goal to claim a 1-0 victory in front of the home crowd.

“The first half we came out and didn't do a very good job of putting defensive pressure on the ball," Troy head coach Chris Bentley said. "As a result we gave up an early goal.”

With the majority of the team returning, plus a host of newcomers, Bentley had reasons to be optimisic heading into the preseason matchup.

Troy started seven familiar faces, while playing 16 players overall in the opener. Of the 16 players on the pitch, however, only four of those were able to get shots off with two of those coming off the foot of reserve Cecilia Thorngren.

After giving up the early goal and settling in for the final 29 minutes of the first half, the Trojans were able to pull together and make the most of the second half. Despite not answering the score the Trojans found confidence as they controlled the remainder of the match.

“The second half we addressed some issues and we looked a lot better,” Bentley said. “We created opportunities and had the better of the play for the majority of the time.”

Troy was able to connect on four shots in the second half, as compared to only one in the first half. They also were able to turn back seven shots by Mercer in the final 45 minutes of action.

The Trojans are hoping to capitalize on the pre-season experience as they prepare to entire the regular season.

“We know where we need to go from here and we will be ready for our next match,” Bentley said.

Troy soccer kicks off their regular season as they face Wofford at home on August 20 at the Troy Soccer Complex. Admission is free to all home soccer matches.