Men’s Soccer Secures A-Sun Tournament Berth

Saturday, October 31

Macon, Ga.

7 p.m.

University of North Florida

Mercer

10/31/2009 9:57:11 PM | Men's Soccer

UNF defeated Mercer 2-1 to secure a spot in the A-Sun Tournament.

By: UNF Athletics

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Needing a victory to secure a spot in the Atlantic Sun Tournament and host an opening round match, the University of North Florida men's soccer team delivered by defeating Mercer, 2-1, in Macon, Ga. on Saturday night.

“I am very proud of this group,” said head coach Ray Bunch. “We have had a very hard season, but every time we needed a big win, these guys have battled through. Now we have to concentrate and get through the tournament. The first goal was to make the tournament and the next goal was to host. Now, we have to focus and try to make our way through the tournament and get to the finals.”

The Ospreys jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first half and added a goal in the second half to secure the victory. The win gives UNF 13 points and a host seed, jumping the Bears who entered the match with 12.

North Florida will be either the No. 3 seed or the No. 4 seed, depending on the outcome of East Tennessee State and Belmont match on Sunday. If the Bucs win, ETSU will tie the Ospreys with 13 points, but will own the tie-breaker after edging UNF 1-0 earlier this season.

UNF wasted little time, scoring a goal in the 19th minute. Junior Adam O'Neill took a free kick that sailed over the wall of defenders into the top left corner of the goal. The goal was O'Neill's team-leading sixth goal of the season.

The Ospreys added an insurance goal in the 80th minute of the match. Senior David Pollard scored his first goal of the season as he corralled a deflection in front of goal and put it past the goalkeeper.

Mercer scored a goal with just under 30 seconds to play, but it was too late as the Ospreys picked up its fourth A-Sun victory of the year.

Jullian Beau was nearly perfect between the posts. He recorded four saves on the night and thwarted any chance of a Bears comeback. Beau picked up the win for the Ospreys and was just 25 seconds away from a shutout.

North Florida returns home to Jacksonville for one final regular season match before starting play in the Atlantic Sun Tournament. The Ospreys will honor its seniors on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as UNF takes on Georgia Southern in a non-conference match. The match is slated for 7 p.m. at Hodges Stadium.