Contributed/ETSU Athletics

The ETSU men’s soccer team suffered a painstaking 3-2 loss to Mercer Saturday, Oct. 18. The Bucs took on the Bears at home in Summers-Taylor Stadium for one of their last three games in the regular season. 

ETSU found the net in the 14th minute with a pass from Henrique Cruz to Sergio Baguena, making Baguena’s first goal as a Buccaneer. The Bears responded quickly with a goal of their own, making the game 1-1. 

The Bucs regained the lead in the 55th minute with a shot by Noah Poole. In the 82nd, the Bears rebutted again, forcing a parry save by Emil Holmberg. The rebound landed in the way of Mercer’s Junior Casillas, who added another point to the board, keeping the game tied 2-2.

In the final few minutes, Mercer scored again, taking the lead for 2 minutes and 4 seconds of game time and winning 3-2. 

Mercer had 10 shots on goal to the Bucs’ six, despite the Bucs outshooting the Bears 17-15. Holmberg matched his season high of seven saves.

The heartbreaking loss dropped ETSU to fourth in the SoCon rankings.

The Bucs will play their final scheduled home game of the season on Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. They will take on Wofford, who is currently fifth in the SoCon rankings. For more information, visit etsubucs.com/sports/mens-soccer.

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