MORROW, GA — Senior Dayle McEwen headed in a corner kick by junior Anna Capra in the 41st minute to provide Francis Marion University with a 1-0 victory over Clayton State University, Monday night (Feb. 8) in Peach Belt Conference women's soccer play.
 
The victory was the first win for first-year FMU head coach Chelsea Parker, and is the program's first win over the Lakers since 2004 — a 1-0 win at Clayton State's home field.
 
The Patriots (1-1-0, 1-1-0) will host UNC Pembroke on Monday (Feb. 15) at 6 p.m. Attendance will be limited to 250 – only season ticket holders, player/staff family members who pre-purchased tickets, and a specified number of FMU students. No general admission game-day tickets will be sold.
 
Francis Marion outshot the Lakers 17-7, including a 10-2 edge over the final 45 minutes.  The Patriots also held a commanding 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.
 
McEwen's match-winning goal came at the 40:45 mark.  It is her first tally of the year and her 19th career goal — nine of which have been match-winners. 
 
FMU sophomore goalkeeper Makayla Willets posted her first career shutout, logging one save in 90 minutes of play. Laker goalkeeper Valentina Bonaiuto made eight stops.
 
The Patriots had a few scoring opportunities in the first stanza highlighted by the late goal. In the 38th minute, a long shot by junior forward Valentina Restrepo fell in the arms of Bonaiuto.
 
The next best scoring opportunity came in the second stanza in the 59th minute. Freshman midfielder Ambrea Hills received a long ball from Capra, but Bonaiuto deflected Hills' shot with a sprawling save. The rebound landed at the feet of junior forward Faith Allen, however a brilliant recovery by Bonaiuto led to another diving save.
 
Hills led Francis Marion with four shots, while Allen and Restrepo added three shots apiece.
 
For the latest news and updates regarding Francis Marion women's soccer, follow the Patriots on Twitter at @FMUSports, on Facebook at FMUSports, and Instagram at @FMUSports or check out information online at www.fmupatriots.com.
 
 
Francis Marion Univ. (1-1-0, 1-1-0) def. Clayton St. (0-1-0, 0-1-0) 1-0
Date: 02/08/21      Attendance: 43
 
Goals by period          1  2  Tot
--------------------------------------------
Francis Marion Univ.  1  0 -  1
Clayton St..........      0  0 -  0
 
SCORING SUMMARY:
1-0.  40:45 FMU_W Dayle McEwen (1) (Anna Capra)
 
Shots: Francis Marion 16, Clayton St. 7 ; Saves: Francis Marion 1 (Makayla Willets 1), Clayton St. 3 (Valentina Bonaiuto 3)