Mercer Survives Scare

Jared Holt

Herald Staff

sports@harrodsburgherald.com

For most teams, shutting out a district opponent on the way to handing them their first loss of the season while remaining unbeaten themselves would be an all-around success. For the Mercer County Titans, only time and the health of an ankle will determine whether their 2-0 win over the formerly undefeated Colts of West Jessamine (5-1), Tuesday night was more of a loss than a victory.

That’s because in the process of winning the game, they lost arguably one of the best players on their team and in the region, Landon Souder to an ankle sprain midway through the half.

“Landon (Souder) was dribbling in West’s (Jessamine) box in the middle of four players who were trying to take the ball off of him,” said Mercer Head Coach Matt Vogell. “Among all the contact he rolled his ankle and we had to sit him for the remainder of the game.”

The Titans already had the lead over West Jessamine when Souder went down with the injury, 1-0, thanks to a goal scored by Matthew Gammon at the 10 minute mark. 

Midfielder    Alex Bosse started the scoring play, driving in a high cross from the left corner of the Colt’s 18-yard-box. The Titans were able to deflect the ball towards the frame, but the shot was deflected back in play by West Jessamine keeper Wesley Holifield. Gammon, being in the right place at the right time, collected the rebound and beat the downed keeper for the score.

Even after Souder’s injury, the Titans still were able to dominate possession, keeping the 1-0 lead going into the half. 

“I was pleased with the way the team handled the adversity they were faced with tonight,” said Vogel. “They stuck to the game plan and executed it very well. We had some guys step up when Landon went down and I’m very proud of their performance.”