College of Charleston
Mercer (Exhibition)
Cougars Draw with Mercer in Final Exhibition
8/21/2011 1:42:00 AM | Men's Soccer
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - The College of Charleston men's soccer team battled Mercer to a scoreless draw in the teams' final exhibition match of the season at Patriots Point on Saturday night.
The Bears forced the Cougars on the defensive in the early minutes of the match and created early chances at net but never capitalized. As the match wore on, the Cougars gained composure and became the more offensive team but the match was still scoreless after 90 minutes.
"Well, it was a tough match and they were a very tough team," said head coach Ralph Lundy. "They started the game pressuring us and we played pretty poorly for about 20 minutes. We finally did get things under control pretty well but we didn't score.
"I really liked the second half. We shared the ball and created chances but again, we didn't score. In the second half we put the ball on the goal and the keeper made saves.
After allowing a 6-0 corner-kick and 4-1 shot advantage go the Bears' way in the opening half, The Cougars dominated the second period and forced five corner opportunities in the first 15 minutes of the period. After the fifth corner, Ralphie Lundy (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) found himself in an inviting spot near the top of the box where he rocketed a shot towards the upper-right corner of the goal but was denied by a fully extended Mercer keeper.
Lundy's shot on goal - one of three for the junior - was probably the most quality shot either team saw during the match.
The Cougars continued on the attack in the second half and eventually erased all the statistical deficits from the first period. By the time the dust settled, the Cougars led in shots (13-9), corner kicks (8-6) and shots on goal (6-3).
The match was the final exhibition for both teams and it showed in the intensity both squads brought to the pitch. The game was extremely physical in its entirety and saw 24 fouls blown and seven cards issued.
"We still have a lot of work to do between now and Friday," said Lundy. "The final third of the field is important. We kept the ball well through the middle third but we have to do better in the final third. We also need to play for each other a little more. In the first half we were a little too selfish. Guys were trying on their own when they should be looking for their teammates.
"I'm happy with the way our game matured. We kept the ball, we took care of the ball. We got into the attacking third but we didn't finish. That's the deal. We'll have to keep working."
The Cougars open the season with an enticing game against No. 20 South Carolina at Patriots Point on Friday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. The game will draw national attention as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Game of the Week to be featured on the FOX Soccer Channel.
Any children who bring used soccer equipment will be granted free admission to the game as the Cougars are teaming with Watermissions International to provide soccer equipment and fresh water to under privileged countries.
