Troy University Athletics
Troy University
1-0-1
Tennessee Tech
0-0-2
Soccer Battles Tennessee Tech to Spirited 0-0 Draw
8/25/2019 7:00:00 PM | Soccer
TROY, Ala. – The Troy University soccer program remained unbeaten Sunday afternoon, battling Tennessee Tech University to a scoreless draw at Troy Soccer Complex.
The Trojans (1-0-1) received another stellar performance from goalie Haleigh Mercer, who earned her second consecutive clean sheet. The Florida native faced 13 total Tennessee Tech (0-0-2) shots, making three saves.
A back-and-forth match from the start, the Trojans and Golden Eagles traded blows through the first half. The best scoring opportunity of the half for either side occurred in the waning seconds of the 45th minute when Kendra Cashion ripped a shot from just inside the 18-yard box clanged off the crossbar narrowly missing a wide-open Trojan attacker.
Following the halftime break, the Golden Eagles seized a bit of the momentum. In the 58th minute, TTU served a beautiful free-kick that bounded towards the end-line, forcing Mercer to make a nice diving save.
Looking for the game-winner in the final moments of regulation, Troy made one last fervent run towards the TTU goal, earning a corner kick with just a few seconds remaining on the clock. The service from Kiersten Edlund found a wide-open Caroline Tully, but the freshman couldn't redirect a shot before the final whistle.
Troy and Tennessee Tech battled through a pair of 10-minute overtime periods, but neither side could find the golden goal. The match closed out a successful opening weekend for the Trojans, who previously defeated Jackson State 7-0 on Friday.
GED TALKS:
"From a team performance standpoint, I thought we did everything we could do. There were a few little minor mistakes, but overall it was an excellent performance against a very dangerous Tennessee Tech team. We lost a really tough match to them last season, and it would have been nice to avenge that loss and start 2-0. However, we have a lot of young players who are experiencing college soccer for the first time. Looking at the box score we've played a lot of those young players a lot of minutes, which I think will be a big benefit later in the season. Our bench did a great job of providing energy and a boost for the players on the field. Overall, I think we're very, very happy with the effort today."
On Haleigh Mercer's strong start:
"We worked with Haleigh extensively during yesterday's training session on holding her line. Today, I thought she was excellent, and we're excited about how she has started the season for us.
NOTEWORTHY:
• Troy is unbeaten through two matches for the first time since 2012.
• The Trojans have not allowed a goal this season.
• Caroline Tully made her first career start.
