The 22nd-ranked Francis Marion
University men's soccer team tallied a goal in each half en route
to a 2-0 blanking of Wingate University, Thursday night at the
WU Soccer Complex. The contest was the season opener for both
teams.
The pre-season co-favorite to win the
Peach Belt Conference, Francis Marion entertains St. Andrews
Presbyterian College Saturday at 2 p.m.
FMU junior goalkeeper Clark Richeson
registered nine saves as Wingate outshot the Patriots 17-7.
Wingate alkso held a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Francis Marion sophomore midfielder
Adrian Sikorski gave Richeson and the Patriot
defense the only goal they would need in the 20th minute. His shot
found the opposite corner from 18 yards.
In the 53rd minute, Francis Marion
senior midfielder/forward Kyle
Clinton completed the scoring by converting a penalty
kick. The PK was the first one allowed by Wingate in two seasons.
Wingate junior goalkeeper Joey
Calandra took the loss for the host Bulldogs. He had one save.
The FMU win was the first victory in
a season-opener since 2005, and the it avenged the Patriots'
last regular season loss of 2008, a 3-2 decision to the Bulldogs in
the rain in Florence. Francis Marion finished the 2008
regular season unbeaten in its final 11 matches.