Final Statistics
OMAHA, Neb. - The UNO Maverick men's soccer team had its debut at Werner Park spoiled on Friday night by Mercer, as the Bears scored 42 seconds into the match and finished with a 2-0 win before 1,488 fans.
The Mavs fell to 1-5 on the season, while Mercer improved to 4-3-1.
Ashani Samuels scored 42 seconds into the match for Mercer. Josh Shutter launched a long throw-in into the box, and Samuels headed it over UNO goalkeeper
Josh Christensen into the back of the net.
Will Betts added an insurance goal in the 81st minute for the Bears. Joey Heavner played a ball in from the left wing, and Betts ran on and volleyed it over Christensen from eight yards out into the left side of the net.
The Bears outshot UNO, 14-11. The Mavs had multiple good scoring chances, however.
Mo Salama had two headers off long throw-ins from
Tyler Ortlieb that Mercer goalie Greg Ranjitsingh saved. Salama also had a backheel early in the first half that just skidded by the left post.
Cody Thayer had a header in the first half in the box that Ranjitsingh made a diving save on.
Josh Christensen made nine saves for the Mavericks.
The Mavs travel to Oral Roberts in Tulsa, Okla., on Oct. 2 for a 2 p.m., game.
