MOUNT OLIVE (Sept. 19) – After conceding a goal in the opening 10 minutes, the University of Mount Olive men's soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss to Francis Marion on Tuesday night at Amon Field in Conference Carolinas action.

With the loss, the Trojans drop to 1-4-1 overall behind a 1-2 mark in league play. Francis Marion has now won the last 16 meetings between the sides dating back to 2007. Meanwhile, the Patriots improve to 3-1-2 this season with a 3-0 record in conference play after reaching the league tournament championship in 2022.

In the first half, Mount Olive produced an exceptional opportunity in the eighth minute after a header from junior Christen Lugo-Elibox sailed just over the crossbar. Just moments later, Philipp Worner of Francis Marion scored the opening goal after a failed clearance was put into the bottom-left corner of the net at the 9:10 mark, 1-0. Senior Kevin Avila had a worthy look on goal in the 18th minute, but his shot was saved by the Patriot goalkeeper. Both teams featured limited chances for the remainder of the half, as Francis Marion took a one-goal advantage into the break.

Each side managed a shot on goal in the initial 15 minutes of the second half, but neither opportunity found the net. The Patriots pressured the goal with three chances through the midway point of the half before the Trojans increased possession over the final 10 minutes. UMO registered two corners in the closing minutes, as Francis Marion captured the 1-0 victory on the road.

Junior goalkeeper Axel Engren played all 90 minutes between the posts and tallied four saves on 10 shots attempted.

Francis Marion posted a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal, while both teams recorded three corner kicks.

The Trojans return to action on Saturday, Sept. 23, when they face Wingate in non-conference play at Amon Field, starting at 2:30 p.m.