Mercer’s heroics lead Huskies to 3-2 season-opening win over Mounties

HALIFAX, NS – Huskies forward Colby Mercer scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner in the 86th minute, as Saint Mary's defeated the Mount Allison Mounties 3-2 in Atlantic University Sport men's soccer action on Friday night at Huskies Stadium in Halifax.

The Huskies opened the scoring just seven minutes into play, as forward Will Brown (Halifax, NS) fired a shot off the crossbar, but was able to get to his own rebound and head it forward onto the foot of forward Colby Mercer (Beaverbank, NS), who fired it past Mounties goalkeeper Rhys Chambers (Windsor Junction, NS) to put Saint Mary's ahead 1-0.

Several minutes later, the Huskies doubled their lead, as a give-and-go play between Will Brown and midfielder Colton Kaizer (Chester Basin, NS) resulted in Kaizer potting a goal into the bottom left corner to give the Huskies a 2-0 lead in the 18th minute.

But Mount Allison didn't go down without a fight, as speedy winger Damon Gordon (Moncton, NB) escaped the Huskies defence and beat Huskies goalkeeper Logan Briand (Halifax, NS) to cut the lead to 2-1 in the 38th minute.

The Huskies had several other quality chances in the first half, but weren't able to capitalize and went into halftime with a 2-1 lead.

Midway through the second half, the Mounties were able to equalize off a great individual effort by forward Ethan Hawyrluk (Moncton, NB) who chased down a long pass and beat Briand to the far post to tie it at 2-2 in the 74th minute.

With the result of the game up for grabs, both teams got a little chippy as five yellow cards were presented over the course of the match. Big defensive plays were being made all over the pitch, including some nice slide tackles from Huskies first year right back Jimmy Rex (Halifax, NS).

That set-up the thrilling conclusion, as in the 86th minute, Rex had a long throw in towards Will Brown, who was brought down by a Mounties defender, but Huskies forward Jalen Loague (London, ON) quickly jumped on the loose ball and slid a pass over to Colby Mercer, who took a touch and fired a laser of a shot into the bottom right corner to give the Huskies a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Huskies forward Colby Mercer – the reigning AUS Most Valuable Player – was named Player of the Game, scoring a pair of goals including the game-winner.

The Huskies (1-0) will be back in action on Sunday, August 31, as they host the Memorial Sea-Hawks at 2:30 p.m. at Huskies Stadium. GET TICKETS

The Mounties (0-1) head home to host the Acadia Axemen (0-0-1) on Sunday at 3:15 p.m. at Alumni Field.