Men’s and women’s soccer begin their respective seasons this week hoping to bounce back after losing many key players, but optimistic at their chances for deeper playoff runs after recent streaks of success. It was a summer of change for Mercer soccer, both on and off the pitch. 

Betts Stadium, the men’s and women’s soccer home field, underwent a seven-figure renovation to support the 2025 Club World Cup participant Los Angeles FC’s practice station in Macon. The renewal included a full remake of the grass of the stadium, which brought it up to FIFA standards. The university and Macon-Bibb County remains hopeful that it will be chosen to host one of the 48 participating countries in the 2026 World Cup.

Off the pitch, both squads lost key members during the offseason who were vital to their success in recent years. Last year’s men’s side fielded a record 11 seniors, who together had led the team to two Southern Conference championships in 2021 and 2023. In addition, the team lost standout sophomore Barzee Blama, as he was drafted to MLS team Charlotte FC with the 77th pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. 

As a result, the Bears will have to rely on their youth this season. The team has 12 new players, including four international transfers. While last year’s first-round exit in the SoCon Tournament and 6-5-7 record proved disappointing for the Bears, there are bright spots on the team’s returning young roster, including 2024 All-Freshman Team nominee Aaron Pondeca ‘28. The coaching staff also got a injection of youth, including recently graduated defender Sekou Agard, who last year led the team in minutes and co-led the team in goals scored.

Mercer will start its season at home on Thursday at 6:00 PM against Oglethorpe University.

The women’s team will also rely on new squad members as the departure of star forward Larkin Thomason to the University of Alabama ushers in a new era for the team. Last year, Thomason led Mercer and the SoCon in nearly every statistical category, including first in goals and points, while earning 2024 SoCon Player of the Year Honors.

In her place will be forward Jada Moorman ‘26, who earned Second Team All-Conference honors last season and ranked top five in points in the SoCon. Moorman was named to the SoCon Preseason All-Conference team as a result of her strong play, alongside Lena Dykes ‘26, a strong defensive presence for the Bears who anchored the team’s back line in 2024. After going 11-5-3 last season, their second ten-win season in a row, the team will hope to build on last year’s second-round exit in the SoCon Tournament.

The women’s side dropped their opening day match against No. 22 Oklahoma State University, 2-0, on Thursday, August 14. The Bears held the home team scoreless until the 80th minute, when the Cowgirls scored off of consecutive corner kicks to seal the victory. Mercer will open its home slate on Sunday, Aug. 24 against the University of West Georgia.

Jacob Hossler

Jacob Hossler ’28 is majoring in Biology with a potential English minor. In his free time he enjoys photography, writing, and playing tennis and soccer.