ROME, Ga. – The Erskine College men's soccer team (1-2, 1-1 CC) was defeated by Shorter University (2-2, 1-1 CC) by a score of 2-1 at Ben Brady Field in the Fleet's 2024 conference road opener on Wednesday.

Freshman Gavin Hardwick drew the Fleet level in the 54th minute with his first collegiate goal, but the hosts regained the lead in the 76th minute in what proved to be the difference.

THE ESSENTIALS 
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HOW IT HAPPENED
Following a thrilling home win over the weekend to begin Conference Carolinas play, Erskine went on the road and took on a conference newcomer in their first midweek action of the season. The Hawks controlled the early stages, but most of their shots were off target. However, as the opening half continued on, Shorter came closer to finding a breakthrough, until eventually doing so in the 39th minute, as the Fleet went into the half trailing for the first time in conference play. It was a rather uneventful opening minutes in the second half, but then, off a Hawks goal kick, the Fleet created a golden opportunity to draw level. Tabor Robinson won back possession at the back for Erskine and lofted a ball forward to the Fleet attack. Carlos Murguia shielded his defender to control the ball and turned and chipped a ball into the path of Andreas Aspris. Aspris, who assisted the Fleet's winner over the weekend, played a perfectly weighted ball in behind the Shorter defense, which Gavin Hardwick ran onto and calmly lofted the ball over the keeper and into the bottom right corner to level the match at one apiece. Oscar Hiding and Aspris each forced saves from the Hawks goalkeeper as the Fleet worked to take the lead. However, a few minutes later, Shorter regained its lead and held on Erskine was defeated in its road conference opener.

THE PLAYER
Despite the loss, freshman forward Gavin Hardwick scored the equalizing goal for the Fleet in the 54th minute, as the Gilbert native opened his account for the season.

THE TEAM
Erskine was outshot by Mount Olive 16 to 5, but the Fleet did have a narrow 4 to 3 advantage in shots on target.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Erskine goes back on the road this weekend to take Barton College (3-0, 1-0 CC) on Saturday at 4 p.m.

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