FLORENCE, SC – Francis Marion University held eighth-ranked Coker University below its seasonal averages, but the Patriots succumbed to a pair of second-half goals as the Cobras prevailed 2-0, Wednesday night (Oct. 9) in non-conference men's soccer play.
 
Francis Marion (5-2-4) sees its nine-match unbeaten streak end, while Coker improves to 8-1-0.
 
The Patriots will host fifth-ranked Limestone University on Saturday at 7 p.m.
 
FMU outshot the Cobras 10-6, while Coker led in corner kicks 3-1.  The visitors came into the match leading the nation in scoring (3.5 goals per match), 15th in both shots per match (16.0) and shots on goal per match (8.0), and 37th in corner kicks per match (5.75).
 
Francis Marion opened the match attacking the Cobra defense.  FMU sophomore midfielder Camilo Salazar sent his 10-yard shot just outside the right post in the opening minute.  Midfielder Mario Buelga forced a save by Coker's Charlie Walker at the 2:18 mark.
 
Patriot forward John Osadolor blasted a knuckling 36-yard shot that Walker pushed aside at 32:55, and following a turnover in the Coker defensive end, Buelga's 15-yard shot found the right side netting at 36:37 for a goal kick.
 
Coker midfielder Jorhan Chopin broke the scoreless deadlock only 3:32 into the second half when he intercepted a Patriot clearance and launched a 35-yard shot into the upper portion of the goal.
 
Forward Edorta Cabieces saw his header go high over the goal in the 62nd minute as the Patriots looked to equalize.
 
Oskar Kaufmann doubled the advantage at 62:58 when he took a pass from Frederic Benedix and scored on a 16-yard shot just inside the left post.
 
FMU forward Juan Salazar Lopez registered an 8-yard shot that Walker stopped at 70:05, and two Patriot shots later in the 71st minute were both unsuccessful.
 
FMU goalkeeper Alberto Aragoneses Lablanca recorded two saves, while Walker finished with four saves.