SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Erskine College men's soccer team (0-1) dropped a non-conference road match against conference foe, Converse University (1-0) by a score of 1-0 at Hayden Abney Fulp Field to begin the 2023 season.

THE ESSENTIALS 
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HOW IT HAPPENED
A tall test awaited the Flying Fleet to open their 2023 campaign in a unique non-conference matchup against a fellow Conference Carolinas school in Converse University. The Valkyries won the 2022 Conference Carolinas regular season title with unbeaten season a year ago and are picked to retain their regular season crown in 2023. And Erskine was forced to defend from the opening kick on Thursday night, as Converse controlled possession early. The hosts early pressure broke through in the ninth minute, when Joan Bauza Sureda found the back of the net from close range at the back post off a corner kick. However, despite not seeing much of the ball, the Fleet stayed firm and a missed Valkyries pen meant Erskine went into the break, trailing just 1-0. The second half was more of the same, but continued resilience from the Flying Fleet allowed them to stay in the game and in the 66th minute, Erskine had its best chance of the night. In the 66th minute, Erskine won a free kick and following a Valkyries clearance, Quinlan Van Arkel won the ball back just outside the box and fired a low shot toward the bottom right corner. But, the Valkyries goalie got down low for a save to keep the Fleet off a board. Erskine remained solid defensively and Evan Zizek made seven saves in between the sticks, but the Fleet were unable to find enough chances on the other end as they dropped a narrow 1-0 match to begin their 2023 season.

THE PLAYER
Despite the loss, senior goalkeeper Evan Zizek made seven saves in goal, his most since the 2021 season. He also induced a miss Valkyries penalty in the first half of the match.

THE TEAM
Erskine was outshot by Converse 19 to 2 and the Valkyries also had an 8 to 1 advantage in shots on target.
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Fleet continue their four-match road trip to begin the season on Tuesday night at the University of North Georgia (0-1) at 5 p.m. The Nighthawks have beaten the Fleet each of the past two years, including by a narrow 2-1 scoreline in Erskine's last trip to Dahlonega, despite an early goal from Dennis Cole.
 
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