FLORENCE, S.C. (Nov. 2) – Despite finding an equalizing goal in the 87th minute, the Trojans were unable to secure a result in a 2-1 loss at Francis Marion in Conference Carolinas action on Saturday afternoon.
With the loss, the University of Mount Olive men's soccer program drops to 4-6-4 this season with a 3-4-4 record in league play. The Trojans and the Patriots have clinched a spot in the Conference Carolinas Tournament and await the final seeding from the KPI rankings to determine their next opponent. Meanwhile, Francis Marion improves to 8-5-5 overall behind a 6-3-2 mark in conference action.
In the first half, the Patriots wasted little time netting the opening goal just 18 seconds into the match. Antoni Garda received a long pass off the kick-off and eventually sent a cross to the far post with Juan Salazar Lopez heading home the goal, 1-0. Francis Marion continued to threaten over the initial 20 minutes of the half before UMO countered with a pair of shots, including one on goal. At the break, the Patriots held a 7-2 lead in shots while boasting a 5-0 edge in corner kicks.
Francis Marion nearly extended the lead in the 61st minute after a shot hit the crossbar before a follow-up attempt was saved by senior goalkeeper
Axel Engren. In the closing minutes of the match, sophomore
Babacar Fall collected a loose ball in the box before dishing a short pass to senior
Guilherme Semola, who buried his team-leading seventh goal in the 87th minute, 1-1. Just 83 seconds later, FMU found the game-winner as Salazar Lopez got behind the defense and scored his second goal of the game.
Engren finished the match with three saves while facing 12 shots over 90 minutes of action.
The Patriots out-shot the Trojans by a 12-8 margin while holding a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Mount Olive awaits the final KPI rankings to determine its seed in the league tournament, which is set to start next Thursday, Nov. 7.
