Cameron Scores Twice in Mercer’s First Victory

J. Andrew Lockwood
Senior Editor / Columnist

After Friday night’s canceled tilt between Gardner Webb and Mercer, the Bears came out Sunday night looking for their first win of the season. Conditions were less than favorable on the rain soaked Bear Field, but Brad Ruzzo’s squad got their first victory of the year over in-state rival Georgia Southern to improve their record to 1-3-2. The win was Ruzzo’s third victory at Mercer and only his second home victory.
The Bears continued their winning ways over the Eagles (0-5-1), whom they defeated in last year’s late season matchup in Statesboro 1-0, off of two Ian Cameron goals. The Scot blasted his second and third goals of the season in the 19th and 97th minute to cap an overtime thriller.

Following the game, Ruzzo commented on MercerBears.com, “We are obviously very happy with the result we earned tonight, picking up our first win of the year at home in less than ideal conditions. I thought our team fought hard and dealt with the muddy field well to pull out the victory.”

With a small crowd on hand to cheer on the team, Mercer played aggressively for most of the afternoon despite being outshot by the Eagles in every offensive statistical category. Georgia Southern would tally 16 shots for the afternoon (8 on goal) with 7 corner kicks while Mercer would take aim 14 times, with 5 shots on goal, and 5 corner kicks.

The first goal by Cameron came with 19:01 in the first half after several Georgia Southern shots were blocked on the opposing end by Mercer goalie Brett Petricek. Propelling himself off of a spin move, Cameron’s low shot past the Eagles’ goalie Mike Gubosh gave Mercer the early advantage they were looking for. Holding the lead for the rest of the half, Georgia Southern continued their aggressive style of play on offense, scoring a game-tying goal in the 74th minute off the leg of Matt Crowell from 20 yards away.

Then the showers came. The field was reduced to a mud puddle for the remainder of the game halting both teams in search for another goal. Georgia Southern made a concerted effort late in the second half to push through a game-winner, but game up short as overtime started. Mercer didn’t have to wait long in overtime though as Ian Cameron’s shot cleared by Gubosh to give his team the victory. A perfect pass from senior Chrispine Ong’Ango set up the play the to win the game.

Ruzzo added after the contest, “Ian has been a great leader for us so far this seaon. He had two fantastic goals that he capped off with great finishes which is something we talk about and stress in practice.” Two of Cameron’s three shots would find the goal while teammates Richard Wimsatt (5 shots, 2 on goal), Richie Edmonson (2 shots, 1 on goal), and Ong’Ango (2 shots, 1 assist) were all active on the offensive end. On the opposing side of the field, Eagles forward Witt Carlisle had an incredible 8 shots with five on goal, yet came up short on each. Mercer goalie Brett Petricek finished the game with 7 saves while Gubosh would tally 3 of his own on the night.

Mercer now takes to the road again for matches against Appalachian State, Belmont, and Lipscomb before returning home to face ETSU and USC Upstate in mid October.