Macon, Ga. --- The Georgia Southern men's soccer team (9-2-1, 2-2 SBC) defeated the Mercer Bears (3-7-3, 1-0-1 SOCON) in both teams' final non-conference matchup of the season this past Tuesday night (October 14th).

After a lapse of two straight matches without scoring, Southern fought off that demon early by scoring in the first 20 minutes. Kevin Pierre played a ball to Lior Holtz on the side of box, who swung in a beautiful cross where a waiting Tomas Morales was there to put a head on the ball, finishing in the upper ninety to put Southern on the board. For Morales, it was his first goal as an Eagle and he did it against his former team as well. 

The first half started out physical, however, as two yellow cards were issued in the first five minutes of the match. While there were six cards issued, none were red and the tensions did not rise to an extreme. Southern controlled possession for much of the contest, allowing only two shots from the Bears in each period. This would tie a team-best of the year, as Stetson only had four shots when the Eagles defeated them earlier this season.

In the second half, the Eagles stayed aggressive and capitalized on the Bears' mistakes. In the 53rd minute, a long ball played by Noah Holmstrom would cause a communication error for the Bears. When Ricky Louis got possession, he deked the keeper and touched a shot outside the box into the open net to double up the lead. Louis' goal would be his seventh of the season and first since his game-winner against Marshall.

The Eagles were not satisfied just yet, however, as less than ten minutes later, the Eagles scored what could have been their best team goal of the year. Finn Steele found Thomas Helgheim with space on the side edge of the box. Using his vision, Helgheim found a cutting Zachary Martin and delivered a pinpoint pass to a sprinting Martin, who was able to tap in the shot for the Eagles' third goal. It was Martin's first goal of 2025, and his first one-goal game since September 26th, 2023 as both contests he scored in last year were braces. 

On the night, the Eagles took 15 shots to just four for the Bears. Southern was also favored in both the corner kicks (5-3) and foul departments (10-12) as well. Nate Martinez collected two saves while also earning his sixth clean sheet of the year, the most in a season since 2006. It also is Martinez's 15th career shutout, now tying him for the most by an Eagle keeper in program history, matching Adam Webb who played from 2003-2006.

The Eagles resume Sun Belt play next with a contest against Coastal Carolina and finally return back to Statesboro on Friday, October 17th. Kickoff for Youth Night at Bo Pitts Field is set for 7 PM.