Mercer men’s soccer (0-5-2) will kick off their first Southern Conference game of the year against second-ranked Furman University (2-1-4) on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Stone Stadium in Greenville, S.C.
The Bears have struggled mightily this season, scoring three goals in five games in their non-conference matchups so far. While remaining solid on defense, Mercer has found offense at a premium, ranking last in goals scored in the SoCon, ten behind second-to-last ranked University of North Carolina--Greensboro.
The historically strong Paladins have remained strong this season, entering as the No. 3 team in the nation and besting No. 19 Duke University earlier in the year. Furman won the initial SoCon coaches poll in August and had six valuable players listed on the 2026 Preseason All-Conference Team, including reigning SoCon Player of the Year Diego Hernandez.
Wofford College (5-1-5) holds the first ranking of the SoCon, followed by Furman and the UNC--Greensboro (2-1-4) tied for second.
Headed into SoCon play, the Mercer team contains talent both offensively and defensively, including goalkeeper Henry Hampshaw 27’ who was named SoCon Defensive Player of the Week after playing Belmont University on Sept. 4. Out of Belmont’s nine shots, Hampshaw saved an impressive eight.
Hampshaw has started every minute for the Bears so far and ranks third in save rate in the conference.
The Bears' young core includes Eli Bannister ‘29, who was voted to the 2026 SoCon Preseason Men’s Soccer All-Conference Team in August and has scored one of the team's goals this season, and Will Taylor '29, who has played all but nine minutes for the Bears this season and lead the team in points, shots and shots on goal.
While currently ranked last in the SoCon, this impressive lineup of players still has a chance to move up in the conference before the final tournament in November.
After facing off against Furman, Mercer will play against UNC Greensboro at Betts Stadium on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m and continue their conference slate.
