LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- Mercer Stout collected another goal, while Josh Brower had a goal and an assist to help lead the Covenant men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Berry in the home opener on Friday night at Scotland Yard.
Covenant (3-0) remains undefeated on the year and marks the second straight season the Scots have started 3-0. It was also the first victory over Berry (3-1) for Covenant since 2014.
Stout, the reigning USA South Player of the Week honoree, notched his third eventual game-winning goal of the season as he put the Scots on top in the 17th minute. Jesse Riggs won the ball for the Scots around midfield and pushed it up to Brower who then slotted a pass into the 18-yard box where Stout fired it past Berry keeper Ben Colebaugh for the score.
The goal was Stout's fourth of the season. The assist to Brower was his sixth of the year, which continues to lead all of Division III.
Covenant controlled the pace of play for much of the first half as the Scots held an 8-3 edge in shots over the first 45 minutes. However, the Scots only led by a 1-0 margin heading into halftime.
Early in the second half, it was Brower's turn to find the scoring column. Austin Berry slid a pass near the six-yard box and Brower chipped it home from short range to give Covenant a 2-0 lead in the 54th minute of play. The goal was Brower's first of the season.
That was all the Covenant defense and keeper Paul Lemay needed as the Scots recorded the first shutout of the year. Lemay made three saves in a 90-minute effort at the net. Berry's Colebaugh and Baker Hoyt combined for one save in split duty at goalkeeper.
Covenant ended the night with a 13-8 advantage in shots take as Stout led all players with three attempts. Berry's Jake Williamson and Connor Davis took two shots apiece.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT
UP NEXT
Covenant is back in action on Saturday with a road trip to Sewanee. Kick-off is set for 5:30 p.m. eastern (4:30 p.m. central).
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