DUE WEST, S.C. – The Erskine College men's soccer team (2-14-1, 1-7-1 CC) ended their fall 2021 regular season with a narrow loss to Francis Marion University (11-4-2, 10-0-1 CC) by a score of 1-0 on senior day for the Fleet at Huggins Field on Saturday afternoon.

THE ESSENTIALS 
Conf. Carolinas Table | Stats | Scores
Div. II Scores | Record Book | CC Digital Network

THE SERIES
The Patriots have now won four of the five all-time meetings with Erskine.

THE MATCH
Erskine was arguably the better side through the opening 10 minutes of the match, creating decent opportunities for Andres Rojas and Justin Pena but were unable to find an early breakthrough. After a slow start, the Conference Carolinas leaders, Francis Marion, grew into the match and scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute as Gabrielle Cavarero put the visitors in front, 1-0. The Fleet had the only shot on target for the remainder of the half, but Corentin Serbource's effort was saved as Erskine trailed 1-0 at the halftime break. Following a slow start to the second half for both sides, Erskine created their best scoring chance of the match when Dennis Cole was played through behind the FMU defense. The Patriots' goalkeeper came flying out of his own penalty box, but Cole got the first touch, knocking it around the FMU goalkeeper, who illegally played the ball with his hands outside of the box to prevent Cole from walking the ball into the goal. The Francis Marion goalkeeper was sent off for denial of a clear goal scoring opportunity and Erskine played the final 30 minutes up a man. The Fleet pushed relentlessly for an equalizing goal, but the backup Patriots' goalkeeper made four saves to keep Erskine out as they escaped with a 1-0 win over the Fleet.

THE TEAM
Erskine outshot FMU 10 to six and had a five to three advantage in shots on target.
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
Saturday's defeat concluded Erskine's fall 2021 regular season. Following this weekend's results, Erskine sits in 11th place in the conference and only the top 8 teams qualify for the Conference Carolinas tournament, meaning the Fleet's season is over as they will now turn their attention to the 2022 season.

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