MACON, Ga. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women’s soccer team heads to Mercer University this Saturday for a Southern Conference (SoCon) matchup.
UNCG concluded the 2024 season with an overall record of 5-9-5 and a 3-3-3 mark in SoCon play.The Spartans were voted sixth in the 2025 SoCon Preseason Coaches’ Poll, receiving 45 points. Redshirt senior midfielder Rachel Poplin was recognized with a spot on the 2025 SoCon Preseason All-Conference Team. This weekend’s game marks an early test for UNCG as they navigate a competitive conference schedule and aim to improve upon last season’s results.
Mercer enters the contest as a strong contender, having finished the 2024 season at 11-5-3 overall and 5-2-2 in socon play. The Bears were picked to finish fourth in the 2025 SoCon Preseason Coaches’ Poll, and boast two players - Jada Moorman and Lena Dykes – on the Preseason All-Conference Team. Mercer’s offensive attack is led by Payton Nutzman, currently leading the conference in assists per game (0.38), shots per game (2.08), and total assists (5). Nutzman has 19 points (7 goals, 5 assists), followed by Morganne Eikelbarner with 17 points (7 goals, 3 assists). Eikelbarner was recently named SoCon Offensive Player of the Week and to the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week on September 9.
Defensively, Mercer’s goalkeeper Lindsay Bell has a 4-4-2 record with a 1.50 goals against average in 10 starts, earning two shutouts. Nationally, Mercer ranks 43rd in shots on goal per game (7.31), 46th in goals (27), 52nd in total points (77), 53rd in scoring offense (15.69), 55th in total assists (23), and 56th in points per game (5.92).
Following Saturday’s game, UNCG will return home to host The Citadel on Thursday, October 16, at 6:00 p.m.as part of UNCG’s Homecoming Week and Professor Appreciation event. The Spartans will then travel to Western Carolina on Sunday, October 19, for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff. All UNCG home regular season games are free admission.
