FLORENCE, SC – Junior midfielder
Jordan Dobson produced the game-winning goal on a header in the 64th minute, as Francis Marion University captured a 1-0 shutout win over Converse in Conference Carolinas women's soccer action on Saturday evening (Sept. 27) at Hartzler Field.
The Patriots remain undefeated this season with a 6-0-0 record, improving to 4-0 in conference play. Francis Marion matches its best start since 1998 and collects its fifth clean sheet through six matches. FMU returns to league competition on Wednesday, October 1, with a divisional road game at Barton, scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
In the first half, the Valkyries controlled possession in the initial minutes of the contest and registered two corner kicks. Francis Marion registered four shots on goal in the opening 18-plus minutes, but saw each scoring opportunity saved by Converse goalkeeper Gabriella Gudeman. The Valkyries recorded their first shot on goal in the 30th minute, which sailed over the top of the goal. The Patriots closed the half with three shots and one corner kick in the final 10 minutes. At the break, FMU held a 9-1 shot advantage while both teams tallied two corner kicks.
Senior forward
Tehya Dave' pressured the opposition to begin the second half with an early shot on goal. Converse countered immediately, forcing a save by junior goalkeeper
Erin Grabeel at the 49:46 mark. The Patriots would find their breakthrough in the 64th minute as Dobson delivered a header into the back of the net from 11 yards out off a corner kick from junior defender
Natasha Tanner, 1-0. The Valkyries nearly responded on their own corner kick after a header by Giulia Rodrigues hit the crossbar before Grabeel secured the loose ball in the box. Francis Marion controlled possession in the final minutes to secure the 1-0 win on Saturday.
Grabeel registered her fifth shutout of the season while collecting one save on four shots faced in 90 minutes of play. She entered the contest among the top 10 in NCAA Division II in shutouts.
Francis Marion finished with an 18-4 edge in total shots while Converse held a 6-5 lead in corner kicks.
