MACON, Ga.- Paced by a score from junior David Rochow in the 21st minute, the Keydets led the Mercer Bears for 57 minutes of the match, but three Mercer scores in seven minutes led to a 3-1 defeat Fri., Sept. 16 at Mercer's Bear Field. The goal was Rochow's second of the season, and gives him his first consecutive game scoring streak in his career, as he scored VMI's lone goal against Lipscomb on Sept. 11 in a 2-1 defeat.
Despite being outshot by a 12-3 margin in the first half, the Keydets led at the half for the first time this year. VMI (0-6) had shots in the 11th minute from sophomore Aaron White, and senior defender Brandon Gary before Zechman sent the rebound in for a cross that Rochow one-timed to beat Mercer goalkeeper Greg Ranjisingh and give the Keydets a 1-0 advantage with 24 minutes remaining in the half.
The Bears (2-3-1) pressed the rest of the opening period, outshooting VMI 6-0 before heading into the intermission trailing 1-0.
VMI's patented hard-nosed defense shined in the early going of the second stanza, withstanding a consistent Mercer attack. It wasn't until the 79th minute that Mercer midfielder Joey Heavner found the head Ashani Samuels off a corner, beating VMI goalkeeper Taylor Feuerstein to knot the tally at 1-1 with 11 minutes to play.
The Bears were able to add to take the lead for the first time on the match less than two minutes later with 9:59 left in regulation, as a free-kick from Heavner found the head of Will Betts for his second goal of the season to give Mercer the eventual game-winning goal. The Bears then went on to tack on an insurance goal in the 86th minute, as Heavner tallied his third assist of the match by feeding Bryson Jones to put the match away.
Both Mercer's Ranjisingh and VMI's Feuerstein, who entered the match No. 2 in the nation in saves, made three stops on the match. Mercer had six corners to VMI's two. White and Rochow led VMI with two shots apiece on the match.
The Keydets continue their road trip Sun., Sept. 16 as the squad travels to Spartanburg, S.C. to take on the USC Upstate Spartans at noon. Live stats, as well as live video, will be available for the match via VMIKeydets.com.
