BELMONT — The University of Mount Olive men's soccer team built a three-goal advantage and held off a late Belmont Abbey rally to secure a 3-2 road victory Saturday night at Alumni Field.
The Trojans wasted little time creating opportunities, with
Pablo Salazar forcing an early save in the opening minute. Mount Olive broke through in the 21st minute when
Paul Aulich scored his first goal of the season to give the Trojans a 1-0 advantage.
Mount Olive continued to apply pressure, doubling its lead in the 28th minute.
Devon Ambrosio found the back of the net for his first goal of the season off an assist from
Haythem Abraham, sending the Trojans into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
The Trojans added to their lead just 2:56 into the second half when
Connor Piwowarski scored to make it 3-0. Mount Olive continued to create chances throughout the half, finishing with 17 shots, including 11 on target.
Belmont Abbey mounted a late comeback attempt, with Patrick Wiley scoring in the 77th minute before adding his second goal of the night in the 84th minute to cut the deficit to one. The Trojans' defense held firm over the final six minutes, preventing the Crusaders from completing the comeback.
Nick Cutlip anchored the Mount Olive defense in goal, making seven saves to earn the victory. The Trojans also finished with four corner kicks and held Belmont Abbey to nine shots on target despite the Crusaders recording 18 total shots.
Aulich, Ambrosio and Piwowarski each recorded a goal for Mount Olive, while Abraham added an assist.
With the victory, Mount Olive improves to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Belmont Abbey falls to 1-3-2 overall and 0-3-0 in league action.
Mount Olive returns to action against Ferrum on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Ferrum, Va.
