FLORENCE, S.C. — The Tornado Men's Soccer team battled to the end Saturday afternoon, but ultimately suffered their first Conference Carolinas loss of the season, falling to Francis Marion 1-0 on a sunshine-filled afternoon.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Francis Marion 1, King 0
LOCATION: Hartzler Soccer Field; Florence, S.C.
RECORDS: King 1-1-1, 0-1 Conf. Carolinas; Francis Marion 1-2-1, 1-0 Conf. Carolinas
HOW IT HAPPENED
- It was a slow-moving game early on, as neither team recorded a shot on goal until the 23rd minute, when Ben Delisle took a shot that the Patriots goalkeeper steered away.
- 10 minutes later, Francis Marion ripped off a pair of shots that forced Dalton Gammon to make back-to-back saves to keep the game scoreless.
- The Patriots had one final scoring chance in the closing minutes of the half, but Gammon was able to make his third save of the half, sending the game into the locker room scoreless.
- Francis Marion broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, when Nick Huenig slipped a shot past Gammon, picking up his third goal of the season.
- The Tornado were unable to muster any more shots on goal, as the Patriots defense stood tall to pick up their first win of the season.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Gammon made a total of seven saves for King, which is a new season-high, and is the most saves for him since April 25, 2021 when he made 10 saves against Erskine.
- Delisle had two shots on goal for the Tornado, while playing just 55 minutes.
FOR THE FOES
- Javier Bello picked up an assist on the Francis Marion goal, his first of the season and fourth of his career.
- Alexander Schulze made three saves for the Patriots while playing the full 90 minutes. He didn't have to make a single save in the second half.
UP NEXT
- The Tornado have a quick turnaround, as they will be in action Tuesday when they face Emory & Henry in a nonconference matchup. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Emory, Va.
- Francis Marion is back on the field Wednesday when they host Coker in a 7 p.m. kickoff.
