SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer’s Dawson Gideon and JR DeRose have been named the Southern Conference men’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all spring competition through Feb. 15.
 
Gideon opened the 2021 spring slate with his second goal of the season, against North Florida on Feb. 13. Early in the game, he fired his first shot toward the bottom right corner of the goal, forcing North Florida’s goalkeeper to make the save. The junior scored Mercer’s lone goal against the Ospreys in the 87^th minute on a penalty kick. His goal from Saturday places him alongside teammates Dylan Gaither and Trevor Martineau for the team lead in goals on the season (two).
 
DeRose, the 2021 preseason All-SoCon goalkeeper, played in all 90 minutes against North Florida and made three saves during the game. North Florida tested the redshirt senior in the 17^th minute when he punched a shot from LJ Estes over the bar to keep the Ospreys off the board. DeRose played in his 45^th game for the Bears, while also tallying his 159^thcareer save. 
 
The Bears return to the field on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. when the squad travels to Jacksonville, Florida, for a matchup against Jacksonville University.
 
Other offensive nominees: Jared Leheta (ETSU).

 
2021 Southern Conference Men’s Soccer Players of the Week
 
Offense
Feb. 16    Dawson Gideon, Jr., F, Mercer

Defense
Feb. 16    JR DeRose, R-Sr., GK, Mercer
 
 
-www.SoConSports.com-