LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Men's Soccer has its final road match of 2025 on Saturday when it faces Mercer at Betts Stadium in Macon, Georgia.
The Keydets (2-10-3, 0-3-0) are looking to snap their recent scoring skid, while the Bears (4-7-4, 2-0-1) fight for first in the league.
Keys to the Keydets
Keydets Clawed by Wildcats. VMI was topped by Villanova in its final non-league match.
Taking Shots. The Keydets tallied 11 shots, with seven on target, the second-most of the season. In the second half alone, VMI fired eight shots with five on goal.
On the Bright Side. VMI has conceded the fewest goals in its first three league matches since 2022. This is also the third-straight season the Keydets have allowed less than 30 goals through their first 14 games.
Racking Minutes. Zack Murphy has played 1,215 goalie minutes this year, ranking 49th nationally, which brings his career total to 4,272, which ranks third all-time at VMI.
Record Book Riser. Zack Murphy has been rising in the record books all season. Along with his minutes played total reaching third, his career saves mark of 215 and 2.28 goals against average rank in the top five all-time.
Household Name. Making his mark in his first collegiate season is
Thimson Duolo, who leads the Keydets with three goals, while boasting two assists.
Yough Gotta Believe It. Jack Yough has been a consistent defender for the Keydets, playing in over 1,200 minutes as a freshman. His minutes total ranks sixth in the conference by non-goalies.
Shot Taker. Thimson Duolo ranks in the top 10 in the SoCon with 25 shots and third with 14 shots on goal.
Top 50. VMI ranks 33rd nationally with 4.6 saves per game.
Leading the League. VMI leads the SoCon with 63 saves and 4.6 saves per game.
Life Saver. Zack Murphy ranks 12th among D-I goalies with 63 saves and 31st with 4.5 saves per game, both best in the conference.
Scouting the Bears
- Mercer is 4-7-4 overall with a 2-0-1 conference record, good enough for first in the SoCon.
- The Bears picked up a nationally-ranked result against #22 USF.
- Mercer handled ETSU and Wofford, combining for eight goals, along with tying against Furman.
- The Bears were predicted to finish third in the preseason poll.
- Mercer is 2-2-4 when playing at home.
- The Bears have earned a result in four of their last five matches.
- Mercer has committed a league-high 198 fouls.
- The Bears have earned 54 saves, the second-most in the conference.
- Mercer is in the top 50 nationally with 28 assists and nearly two assists per contest.
- Henry Hempshaw ranks 14th with over 1,333 minutes played and 25th with 54 saves.
- Junior Casillas has scored a team-high 14 points with five goals and four assists, and has tallied two game-winning goals.
- Six Bears have at least three assists.
- Head Coach Brad Ruzzo is in his 17th season at the helm, becoming the winningest coach in program history with over 150 victories.
Series History
- VMI is 0-19 against Mercer.
- First meeting was in 2010.
- Last season's matchup ended in a 3-0 win for the Bears.
- This will be the 10th match played in Macon, Georgia.
For more information, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow us on social media at VMI Athletics.
