MACON, Ga. – The Gardner-Webb men's soccer team opened its season Thursday night on the road against Mercer University at Betts Stadium. The Bears took the win with a final score of 4-0.
 
"It was a tough matchup for the squad tonight," said head coach Tony Setzer. "I give a lot of credit to the Bears and their coaching staff. They have a lot of talent on the field and got the best of us in match play."
 
The Mercer Bears managed to get past the Runnin' Bulldogs defense four times throughout the night. As they opened up the scoring off of a penalty kick in the 14^th minute, and scored again in the 24^th minute. Then two additional times in the second half, in the 50^th and 82^nd minutes, ending the match respectively.
 
The Bears paced matchup in shots with a total of 11, as the Runnin' Bulldogs took nine.
 
GWU led the game in corner kicks and fouls, recording six in both categories.
 
Mallel Rios spent the full 90 minutes between the posts for the Red and Black, and had the most saves in the game with a total of five, just one more than the opposing Bears goalkeeper.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs will be back in action on Sunday, August 29^th, as they travel up the road to take on UNC Greensboro at 7:00 p.m. The action will stream on ESPN+.
 
For the latest on Gardner-Webb Men's Soccer, follow @GWUsoccer on social media or visit gwusports.com.