FLORENCE, SC – Francis Marion University won the 2026 Conference Carolinas Men's Soccer Developmental Championship on Monday afternoon (Oct. 19), hosted by Francis Marion at Hartzler Field. The Patriots topped Lees-McRae College 3-1.

Mohamed Macalou opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, and the Patriots led 1-0 at halftime. The Francis Marion lead extended to 2-0 with a goal from Marc Hernandez in the 67th minute before the Bobcats got on the board.

Lee-McRae's Joey Lighthart cut the Bobcat deficit in half with a goal in the 78th minute. Francis Marion added a penalty kick goal from Sebastian Ulloa-Acevedo in the 86th minute to take the game 3-1.

Ulloa-Acevedo of Francis Marion was named the tournament MVP.

It is Francis Marion's third developmental title in the last four seasons.