Friday, November 11, 2011

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Top-seeded FGCU built a 2-0 lead against No. 4 Mercer and held on to advance to the A-Sun Men's Soccer Championship Final with a 2-1 victory in the semifinal contest.

The Eagles Cristian Raudales and Xaver Silva, the A-Sun Freshman of the Year, netted goals for FGCU, while Mercer's Ehjayson Henry cut the lead in half with a goal in the 65th minute.

FGCU struck first in the 36th minute, as Raudales headed a cross from Silva to the far post past Mercer keeper Greg Ranjitsingh. The Eagles added another goal in the 59th minute this time Silva registered the goal on an Federico Crespo cross. The goal was Silva's sixth of the season.

Mercer continued to battle back as Henry struck in the 65th minute off a Ashani Samuels assist. The Bears nearly tied the game on several occasions late in the half as Mercer forced freshman goalkeeper Nathan Ingham to make four saves in the second half..

The Eagles (11-5-2, 7-1-0) advance to the finals of the championship in their first year of eligibility. Mercer ends the season at 9-8-3.

Each game of the 2011 Atlantic Sun Conference Men’s Soccer Championship can be viewed free on streaming broadcasts via ASun.TV.

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