Patriots snake-bitten in season opener
FLORENCE, SC – Sophomore midfielder Rommel Fondin scored on a penalty kick in the 43rd minute to give visiting Coker College a season-opening 1-0 win over Francis Marion University, Thursday afternoon (Sept. 2) in men's college soccer action.
The Patriots (0-1-0) will play host Florida Tech on Saturday at 4 p.m., while the Cobras return home to also host FIT on Monday at noon.
Fondin’s score came after a Francis Marion foul in the box at the 42:49 mark. His attempt went to the right of FMU goalkeeper Clark Richeson.
Despite Francis Marion controlling possession for most of the first half, Coker had the three best scoring opportunities in the opening 45 minutes. In addition to Fondin’s tally, Coker’s Alex Bracken one-touched a low cross in the 6-yard box that glanced off and over the cross bar in the 18th minute, while Eric Stiefield chipped a shot over Clark from the far right side that went just outside the far post at 28:28.
Francis Marion’s best chance to even the score came in the 76th minute when junior Adam Dillihay headed a service toward the Coker goal from about 10 yards out. Cobra goalkeeper James Sweeney lunged to his left and made a one-handed save.
Both teams registered seven shots, with each having three on goal. FMU led 8-1 in corner kicks.
Richeson made two saves, while Sweeney finished with three stops. Junior midfielder Cameron Mabee led the Patriots with two shots.
Coker College (1-0-0) def. Francis Marion Univ. (0-1-0)
1-0
Date: Sep 02, 2010 Attendance: 152
Weather: Partly cloudy, 85 degrees, nice
Goals by period
1 2 Tot
---------------------------------------
Coker College....... 1 0
- 1
Francis Marion Univ. 0 0 - 0
SCORING SUMMARY:
1-0. 42:49 COKER Rommel Fondin (1) Penalty
kick
Shots: Coker College 7, Francis Marion Univ. 7
Saves: Coker College 3 (James Sweeney 3), Francis Marion Univ. 2 (Clark Richeson 2)
