Defenses Hold Firm as UNCG Men’s Soccer & Mercer Finish 0-0
MACON, GA. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s soccer team and the Mercer Bears played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday night at Betts Stadium, leaving both teams with a point in The Southern Conference (SoCon) play. This was the third shutout of the season for the Spartans.
The Spartans applied early pressure, outshooting the Bears, 7-3, and earning four corner kicks in the opening half. On UNCG’s second corner kick of the match, Steven Hernandez had a chance blocked in front of goal. Mercer quickly pushed forward in transition, but its effort sailed wide of the left post.
Lasse Dahl and Hernandez each forced saves from Mercer goalkeeper Henry Hampshaw, while Seth Wilson made a first-half stop for UNCG to keep the match level entering the break.
Mercer increased its attacking pressure in the second half, recording five shots and four corner kicks. Pablo Torre looked to score on a ball that set him up for a volley with 30 minutes left, but Hampshaw was there for the save. Wilson answered with his own save on the Mercer’s Will Taylor in the 64th minute, while the Spartans’ back line continued to turn away the Bears’ late opportunities.
Mercer’s back line had two very dangerous plays in the second half, almost resulting in own goals, first with 13 minutes remaining and the another with seven minutes left in the game. UNCG generated chances of its own down the stretch. Dahl forced another save in the 71st minute before the Spartans earned a corner kick in the 88th minute, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the final whistle.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
UNCG held the slight advantage in shots, 9-8, and shots on goal, 3-2.
The Bears recorded three saves, while the Spartans had two.
There were 15 total fouls in the game, while Mercer was issued seven yellow cards and UNCG one.
Both teams tallied five corner kicks apiece.
Dahl and Hernandez each notched three shots in the game.
RECORDS
UNCG: 3-1-5, 1-0-1 SoCon
Mercer: 0-6-3, 0-1-1 SoCon
WHAT’S NEXT
The Spartans are back home to host Furman on Oct. 3, the Paladins marking the start of a major three-game homestand that also features NC State (Oct. 7) and Marshall (Oct. 13). Kickoff against Furman at UNCG Soccer Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Upcoming promotions include the match against Furman marking our 2026 Homecoming Weekend and featuring a food truck in attendance!
Courtesy of Denise Archetto
Assistant Athletic Director For Strategic Communications
UNC Greensboro