Redshirt junior Malika Connor's first goal as a Trojan broke a 1-1 tie and put University of Mount Olive ahead to stay as the Trojans went on to defeat Goldey-Beacom College 4-1 in the finale of the women's soccer "Believe Kickoff Classic" Sponsored by Jordan Logistics Sunday at Amon Field. Connor scored her goal late in the first half, just six minutes after coming off the bench in her first match for Mount Olive.

After falling behind 1-0 midway through the first half, Mount Olive (1-1-0) capitalized on a Goldey-Beacom miscue to even the match. Kaylee Larson dribbled left of the box and crossed the ball in front of the goal. A Goldey-Beacom defender attempted to clear, but kicked the ball in as the Trojans tied the match on an own goal at the 37:22 mark.

Larson also factored in the go-ahead goal four minutes later. Maddie Russell blocked a Goldey-Beacom shot attempt and Larson retrieved the ball. Larson carried the ball across midfield served to the top of the box. Connor beat the keeper to the ball and shot into a wide open net to put the Trojans on top 2-1 at 41:34.

"It was very exciting," said Connor, who transferred to UMO from Pitt Community College. "I was just in the right place at the right time."

The Trojans put the match away midway through the second half as Nichole Poppe scored a pair of goals nine minutes apart. Poppe and Maddy Robak combined on a give-and-go play at 63:38 and Poppe added an unassisted goal from the top of the box at 72:03.

Goldey-Beacom (0-2-0) opened the scoring at 24:16 as Halle Thomas crossed into the box to Kelsey Vick, who scored from 15 yards out.

Mount Olive outshot Goldey-Beacom 12-6 for the match. Vick's tally was the Lightning's lone shot on goal. Goldey-Beacom goalkeeper Cindell Aguirre recorded four saves.

Mount Olive returns to action Wednesday as the Trojans play host to Wingate University in a non-conference match-up. Match time is 7 p.m. at Amon Field.