Mount Olive, N.C. – The King University men's soccer team opened postseason play on Wednesday night in the first round of the Conference Carolinas Championships, but a second-half rally from the University of Mount Olive proved decisive as the Tornado fell 2–1 at Amon Field.
First Half
King struck first in the 27th minute when forward
Jadon Morgan converted off a pass from midfielder
Eric Swain to give the Tornado a 1–0 lead. The King defense, anchored by goalkeeper
Gavin Roux, held firm through the remainder of the half. Roux collected two saves to preserve the advantage heading into halftime.
Second Half
Mount Olive responded after the break, leveling the score in the 52nd minute on a goal from Haythem Abraham. Just 12 minutes later, Joao Barboza Filho found the back of the net to put the Trojans ahead 2–1. Despite playing down a man following a red card to Devin Seiler in the 58th minute, Mount Olive's defense held strong. King pressed late, recording eight second-half shots and earning two corner kicks, but goalkeeper Nick Cutlip made three saves to secure the win and advance Mount Olive to the quarterfinals.
Key Performances – King
- Jadon Morgan – Scored King's lone goal, recording two shots on target
- Eric Swain – Assisted on Morgan's strike, steady in midfield play
- Gavin Roux – Four saves across 90 minutes, keeping King in contention
- Cian McGoey – Added energy off the bench with one shot on goal
Key Performances – Mount Olive
- Joao Barboza Filho – Scored the game-winner in the 64th minute, led all players with three shots on goal
- Haythem Abraham – Netted the equalizer early in the second half
- Nick Cutlip – Three saves in goal, including two in the closing stages
- Manny Duran – Contributed offensively with one shot on goal
By the Numbers
Shots: King 9 | Mount Olive 13
Shots on Goal: King 4 | Mount Olive 6
Corners: King 4 | Mount Olive 8
Closing Notes
The Tornado showed resilience in the first round of the Conference Carolinas Championships, taking an early lead and continuing to press even after falling behind. With contributions from both starters and reserves, King closes its season 5–8–4 overall and 4–6–3 in league play, while Mount Olive (4–8–6, 2–5–5) advances to the quarterfinals.
