University of Mount Olive

FERRUM, Va. — The University of Mount Olive men's soccer team fell 2-0 to Ferrum College on Wednesday afternoon at Penn-Roediger Field.

The Trojans (2-3-0, 1-1-0) and Panthers (3-0-2, 2-0-1) played to a scoreless draw through the opening 45 minutes, with Mount Olive goalkeeper Nick Cutlip making three saves in the first half to keep Ferrum off the scoreboard.

Mount Olive created five shots in the opening half, including a pair of shots on target from Pablo Salazar and a team-high eight shots on goal overall. Ferrum held a 7-5 advantage in shots during the opening period, while the Panthers also earned four corner kicks to the Trojans' two.

Ferrum broke through early in the second half when Ben Hooper converted a penalty kick at the 50:31 mark to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead.

The Trojans continued to pressure Ferrum's defense, with Abdoulaye Saine and Kevin Jimenez each putting shots on target in the second half. Ferrum goalkeeper Michael Arzillo turned aside both attempts as part of his eight-save performance.

Ferrum added an insurance goal in the 76th minute when Christian Ott scored his second goal of the season to extend the Panthers' lead to 2-0.

Mount Olive generated several chances late, putting four additional shots on target in the final 15 minutes. Arzillo made saves on attempts from Carlos Soto, Chanston Rodgers, Haythem Abraham and Connor Piwowarski to preserve the shutout.

The Trojans finished the match with 13 shots, including eight on target, while Ferrum recorded 14 shots with eight on frame. Cutlip finished with six saves for Mount Olive in 90 minutes.

Mount Olive returns to action with its next scheduled contest as the Trojans continue their 2026-27 season against Lees-McRae on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Amon Field.