MACON, Ga. (Oct. 19, 2024) – A perfect deflection at just the right time helped set up the game-winning goal and lock up a critical three points for the ETSU men's soccer team on Saturday night.
 
Early in the first half, Jimmy Choi sent a shot into the 18-yard box, and after a Mercer defender headed the ball backwards, a racing Louie Salkeld was in prime position to send the ball past the goal line and into the back of the net, giving ETSU a 1-0 victory over the preseason favorite at Betts Stadium.
 
In a rematch of last year's Southern Conference regular season champion (ETSU) and tournament champion (Mercer), the Blue & Gold kept their firm grip atop the league standings. With the win, the Bucs extended their win streak to four straight and improved to 5-5-3 overall and 3-0-0 in SoCon play. The Bucs' nine points are five better than their nearest foes in Mercer and UNCG.
 
ETSU goalkeeper Marc Kouadio was stellar yet again for the Bucs.
 
Mercer took 20 shots on the night and Kouadio stopped all nine that were on target en route to registering his third straight shutout in SoCon play. Kouadio made three saves in the opening half and tallied six more in the second, including a massive diving stop in the 87th minute off a kick by Carlos Santamaria.
 
The Bucs only totaled five shots and two were on net – the goal by Salkeld and an attempt by captain Gabriel Ramos in the 84th minute that soared to the center of the goal. Earlier in the half, Choi had a good look in the 74th minute from the left side of the 18-yard box but it sailed high and went out of play.
 
Saturday's match featured 22 fouls – 13 by the Buccaneers. Mercer was plus-4 in corner kicks, 7-3.
 
Salkeld's goal was his first of the season and second of the Buccaneer midfielder's career.
 
Mercer, who suffered its first home loss of the season, dropped to 5-3-6 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play. The Bears also had their five-game unbeaten streak come to an end as Saturday marked Mercer's first loss since Sept. 17 at Davidson. In addition, this was the first time the Bears were shutout in SoCon play since last October 14 versus Furman.
 
ETSU gears up for its regular season home finale as the Bucs host Furman next Saturday at 6 p.m. at Summers-Taylor Stadium.
 
For more information on Buccaneer men's soccer, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men's soccer tab.