FLORENCE, S.C. (Nov. 10) – Despite No. 3 seed Francis Marion playing down to 10 men a majority of the second half, the No. 7 seeded Trojans were unable to overcome a 1-0 deficit in a loss on Sunday evening in the Conference Carolinas Tournament Quarterfinals.
With the loss, the University of Mount Olive men's soccer team closes the 2024 campaign with a 4-7-5 record following their first appearance in the quarterfinals since 2021. It was a third meeting between the divisional foes this season with the Trojans suffering a pair of one-goal losses. Meanwhile, Francis Marion improves to 9-5-5 this season and advances to the semifinals to face No. 2 seed Converse.
The Patriots registered a shot in the opening seconds of the contest that sailed over the top-right corner of the net. In the 19th minute, John Osadolor scored off a massive deficit into the right side of the net with an assist awarded to Camilo Salazar. Francis Marion finished with a 6-2 edge in shots over the final 25-plus minutes of the half to take a one-goal advantage into the break.
At the 47:19 mark of the second half, Francis Marion goalkeeper Ian Milla was sent off with a red card after a reckless challenge just outside the box to take down senior
Guilherme Semola. The Patriots entered Alberto Aragoneses Lablanca between the posts and he immediately made a save off a free kick to maintain the lead. Mount Olive followed up with four shots over the next 10 minutes but was unable to put an attempt on goal. Senior goalkeeper
Michael Deleo would tally two saves at the midway point of the second half before Mount Olive earned a couple of chances but was unable to find an equalizer. The Patriot defense locked down the final 10 minutes of the match to claim the postseason win, 1-0.
Deleo totaled four saves in his second start of the season while playing 90 minutes on Sunday.
Both sides registered 12 shots in the match while FMU boasted a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.
