Nia Wilson Helps Claim Home Opener Against Mercer

Thursday, September 1

Troy, Ala.

6 p.m.

Troy University

2-2-1, 0-0-0

Mercer

3-1-1, 0-0-0

Mercer

Troy

Nia Wilson Helps Claim Home Opener Against Mercer

9/1/2022 11:04:00 PM | Soccer

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By: Troy Athletics Communications

TROY, Ala. – Despite battling through harsh weather conditions and weather delays, Troy women's soccer secured the home opener victory on Thursday night, 1-0, off a goal from Nia Wilson at the Troy Soccer Complex.

The Trojans (2-2-1) extend their unbeaten streak to three as they hand the Bears (3-1-1) their first loss of the season.

Wilson secured the victory for Troy in the 65^th minute off the deep throw-in from Jordan Stack – marked the first game-winning goal of her career. Jayla Gage had her way offensively, putting out four shots with one on goal – led Troy in shots.

Chandler Lewis-Jenkins gave it her all in 90 minutes of play for Mercer, leading the charge offensively with three shots and one shot on goal – Mercer only had two as a team.

Fighting Through the Weather Delay
As lightning rolled into the area, both teams were held scoreless through the first 40 minutes of competition. Then, the weather forced an hour and a half delay before resuming action for the final five minutes of the half.

Troy didn't skip a beat with the delay, dominating the offensive end in the second half – held the ball in their offensive end for 69 percent of the game.

Wilson came off the bench with a presence, letting out a shot at the 60:31 mark that sailed wide left.

Five minutes later, Stack volunteered for the throw-in, launching it to Wilson in the penalty box. Wilson quickly turned and let out the shot, aiming and hitting the top right of the net for her first goal of the season at the 65:15 mark to put Troy in the driver's seat, 1-0.

One Happy Coach
"I'm super proud of the girls and the way they played tonight. I thought the performance they had from kickoff until the final whistle was quality and gritty. We grinded out an excellent result against a quality Mercer team. Obviously, we had to deal with the weather delay. I thought our response to that to end the first half was amazing, which springboarded us into the second half. Just super proud of these girls these past three games after a tough start. I'm looking forward to seeing more growth and development."

Winning Numbers
• Troy was efficient with the ball, controlling it for 59 percent of the game, and 69 percent of it was on the offensive end.
• Both teams ramped up the shots in the second half, combining for 16 in the second half compared to seven in the first.
• Lindsey LaRoche completes her second straight shutout of the season with two saves.
• 66 percent of Troy's shots on goal came from off the bench, with Wilson (2), Riley Rojahn (1) and Erin Bloomfield (1) having shots on goal.

10-Days Off
The Troy women's soccer team takes the weekend off before traveling to Jacksonville State next Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the JSU Soccer Complex.