JACKSON, Miss. | Jackson State turned up the pressure after halftime and pulled within a goal behind Kaila Tablado, but the Tigers' comeback bid came up just short in a 2-1 setback to Mercer Wednesday at the JSU Soccer Field.
How It Happened
After being limited to two shots in the opening 45 minutes, Jackson State came out of the break with renewed energy, producing eight second-half attempts and putting Mercer under considerably more pressure. The Tigers finished with 10 shots, while Mercer recorded 17.
Mercer built a 2-0 advantage late in the first half behind a pair of goals from Payton Nutzman. The first came from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute before Nutzman struck again in the 42nd minute off an assist from Isabella DeSantis.
Jackson State responded immediately after the break.
The Tigers generated consecutive opportunities from Tablado and Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper early in the second half before breaking through in the 61st minute. Tablado found the back of the net at the 60:16 mark to cut the Mercer advantage to 2-1 and give JSU momentum with nearly 30 minutes remaining.
Tablado remained at the center of the Jackson State attack, finishing with a team-high three shots and scoring the Tigers' lone goal. Cora Kmiec added two attempts, while Akeelah Mirza put a second-half opportunity on frame.
Jackson State continued searching for the equalizer as the second half progressed. Kmiec produced attempts in the 68th and 72nd minutes, and Mirza forced Mercer goalkeeper Ariel Bernard into a save in the 75th. JSU continued to battle even after being reduced to 10 players following a red card in the 81st minute.
In goal, Kianah Farmer helped keep the Tigers within striking distance throughout the afternoon. Farmer played all 90 minutes and recorded 10 saves against Mercer's 17 shots, making five stops in each half.
Despite the final result, Jackson State's second-half response provided an encouraging showing, as the Tigers outshot their own first-half total 8-2 after the break and scored the only goal of the final 45 minutes. Mercer held on through the closing stages to secure the 2-1 decision.
Up Next
The Tigers will travel to Shreveport, La. to face Abilene Christian. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.
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