Men’s Soccer Topples No. 2 Seed Mercer, 2-0
MACON, GA. – The No. 20 and third-seeded UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team defeated second seed Mercer, 2-0, in the semifinal round of The Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament on Sunday at Betts Stadium in Macon, Georgia. An early goal from Téva Lossec set the tone early and a second half strike from Arnaud Tattevin sealed the game with his fourth goal of the post season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UNCG got an early oppurtunity to score in the fifth minute on a corner kick. Steven Hernandez whipped the ball in to Lossec who flicked the ball into the back of the net to put the Spartans up 1-0 in a flash. After the initialgoal both teams settled into the match, with neither squad gaining momentum. The Bears' offense could not gather any momentum as the Spartan defense only allowed one shot in the first half. Daniel Longo, Sami Lachekar and Magnus Kjoller swallowed up the midfield passing lanes, disrupting the flow of the Mercer attack throughout the first half. UNCG was content to hold possession and probe the defense throughout the halfand entered the locker room up 1-0.
The Blue & Gold offense came back to life to start the second half, taking five shots in the first 10 minutes of action. In the 58th minute, a great pass from Issah Haruna found Tattevin who danced past two Mercer defenders and fired a shot off the post and into the goal. This is his fourth goal of the post season and 12th on the season. After the insurance goal, UNCG dropped back into defense to try and maintain the lead. The 73rdminute saw a dangerous cross come in from the Bears and headed a shot on net but Seth Wilson made the diving stop to keep the clean sheet alive. A renewed Mercer attack came in the 78th minute, with the Bears taking two consecutive shots but both were blocked by the tall defensive midfielder Kjoller and then cleared out of the play by Hernandez. Mercer had one final shot on goal but was saved by Wilson in the 88th minute to seal the 2-0 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
-
Hernandez has three assists this post season, bringing his season total to five goals and five assists.
-
UNCG advances to its first SoCon Tournament Championship since 2022.
-
UNCG outshot Mercer, 11-7.
-
The Bears had seven corners to the Spartans' four.
-
Both teams combined for 26 fouls in the match.
Records:
UNCG: 12-3-4, (3-2-0 SoCon)
MER: 5-9-4, (3-1-1 SoCon)
PURCHASE UNCG GEAR
Click here for your one-stop shop for all of your official UNCG merchandise! From apparel to accessories, there is something for everyone!
UP NEXT
The Spartans advance to the SoCon Championship match against the No. 1 seed Furman. The match will take place on Sunday, Nov. 16 at Stone Stadium in Greenville, South Carolina. Kick off is slated for 2:00 p.m..
Click here for information on the 2025 SoCon Men's Soccer Championship.
Latest Men's Soccer News
- Men’s Soccer Rematches No. 2 Mercer in SoCon Semifinals on SundayGREENSBORO, N.C. – The No. 20 and third seed UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team advances to the semifinals of The 2025 Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament to play second seed Mercer on Sunday at Betts Stadium in Macon, Georgia, at 7:00 p.m.
- Men’s Soccer Dismantles VMI in First Round of The SoCon TournamentGREENSBORO, N.C. – The No. 20 and third-seeded UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team defeated sixth-seeded VMI, 5-1, in the first round of The Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament on Friday at Betts Stadium in Macon, Georgia. Arnaud Tattevin recorded his second career hat trick in the first half, while Enzo Dovlo and Colton Sessoms each added a goal for the Spartans.
- Nine Spartans Honored in All-SoCon AwardsSPARTANBURG, S.C. – Nine members of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team were named to The Southern Conference (SoCon) All-Conference teams, the league announced Thursday ahead of the first round of the 2025 SoCon Tournament.
- Men’s Soccer Battles No. 6 VMI in SoCon First Round on FridayGREENSBORO, N.C. – The No. 20 UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team is set to begin The 2025 Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament play against VMI on Friday at Betts Stadium in Macon, Georgia, at 7 p.m.
- Tattevin Secures Final SoCon Offensive Player of the Week to End Regular SeasonSPARTANBURG, S.C.- Arnaud Tattevin of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team has been named The Southern Conference (SoCon) Offensive Player of the Week for the first time this year after scoring two goals in the season finale against Mercer, the league announced Tuesday.
- Men's Soccer Earns Third Seed, Travels to Macon to Battle VMI in First Round on FridaySPARTANBURG, SC – Mercer posted a 3-1-1 mark in SoCon play, including a draw with Furman in the league opener, to earn the No. 2 seed. The Bears will play the winner of No. 3 UNC Greensboro and No. 6 VMI on Sunday, November 9, at 7:00 pm in Macon. The Spartans and Keydets will play on November 7 at 7:00 p.m.
