FLORENCE, SC - The Francis Marion University men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 heart-breaking overtime decision to Flagler College on Monday (March 8) in Peach Belt Conference men's soccer action.
 
The Patriots fall to 2-2-2 on the season and 1-2-2 in PBC play, while the Saints move to 1-2-1. Francis Marion will head on the road Thursday (March 11) to take on the Georgia Southwestern Hurricanes at 7 p.m.  FMU's next home match will be March 15 at 6 p.m. against Lander University.
 
The Saints outshot FMU 10-8 and held a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
 
In the 11th minute of action, Flagler midfielder Peik Koskinon's header missed the mark on a corner kick from defender Joran Osland. FMU tried to notch the opening goal in the 26th minute when a corner kick from junior midfielder Jafet Santiago was headed just past the right post by graduate student Oier Bernaola.
 
After an uneventful finish to the first period, both squads entered the locker room deadlocked at 0-0.
 
Santiago found a streaking sophomore midfielder Pantelis Panteli who's shot glanced off the crossbar in the 56th minute. In the 58th minute, junior midfielder Sam Pollard intercepted a dangerous cross by the Saints near the top of the penalty area.  He headed the ball ahead to junior forward Magnus Hoejland, who sent it right back to Pollard.  Pollard then lifted a long left-footed pass to sophomore forward Luis Villarreal who settled the ball and finished a 13-yard shot inside the left post and just outside the outstretched arms of junior goalkeeper Andrea Lubbia to give the Patriot a 1-0 lead.  It was the Bluffton native's first collegiate score.
 
FMU tried to add the lead in the 60th minute. Santiago sent the corner kick into the box for Bernaola, and this time his header bounced off the crossbar resulting in a goal kick.
 
Flagler had a chance for the equalizer at the 75:25 mark when a header by junior defender Fannar Fjolnisson was off the mark, outside the right post. The Saints had another opportunity in the 77th minute, however, the on-goal free-kick by Osland was blocked by a group of Patriot defenders.
 
In the 89th minute, an attack by Flagler was stopped by a Patriot foul inside the box. On the resulting penalty kick, Osland went left and senior goalkeeper Maximiliano Rocco went right, resulting in the equalizer for the Saints with 1:05 remaining.
 
In overtime, the Patriot had a chance to win via golden goal, but a shot from freshman forward Isak Strand missed just right at the 93:39 minute mark. Just one minute later, senior midfielder Peik Koskinen sent a through ball that junior midfielder Axel Nolgren touched aside to junior midfielder Matteo Costas. Costas dribbled across the box before slotting a ball in from 12 yards out.
 
For the latest news and updates regarding Francis Marion men'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.

 
 
Flagler College (1-2-1, 1-2-1) def. Francis Marion Univ. (2-2-2, 1-2-2) 2-1 OT
Date: 03/08/21      Attendance: 35
Weather: Cold
 
Goals by period         1  2 OT  Tot
---------------------------------------------
Flagler.............           0  1  1 -  2
Francis Marion Univ.  0  1  0 -  1
 
SCORING SUMMARY:
1-0.  57:52 FMU Luis Villarreal (1) (Sam Pollard) - Cross intercepted by 5, headed to 19, pass back to 5, long left-footed pass to 12, settle, 13 yard shot, beats GK to left post
1-1.  88:54 FC Osland, Joran (1) (unassisted)
2-1  94:36 FC Costa, Matteo (1) (Koskinen, Peik;Nolgren, Axel) - Through ball to 21, touched aside to 24, dribbled across box, slotted 12-yard shot into goal
 
Shots: Flagler 10, Francis Marion 8 ; Saves: Flagler 1 (Andrea Lubbia 1), Francis Marion 0 (Maximiliano Rocco 0)