ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University men's soccer team picked up their first South Atlantic Conference victory, and second win over a nationally ranked team this season, with a 3-1 defeat of No.22 Lincoln Memorial on Saturday (Sept. 16).
"It is the second win this season against a Top-25 opponent but more importantly three hard fought conference points," said coach Michael Zion. "We defended our house like warriors tonight!"
The Trojans came into the match looking to bounce back from a 3-1 non-conference loss on Wednesday (Sept. 13) to the North Georgia Nighthawks. Anderson imposed their will early in the match, controlling possession and the pace of play. In the 16th minute the Trojans earned a corner kick opportunity. Elian Munoz took the corner and placed the ball perfectly on the head of Juan Jose Alvarez to give Anderson a 1-0 lead. Just a few minutes later, Munoz once again took a set piece and picked up his second assist of the match, connecting with Mariano Carpena for the goal as Anderson held a 2-0 lead going into the intermission.
Early in the second half, Diego Jaramillo was fouled in the box to earn a penalty kick. Freshman Julian Caro Sepulveda executed the PK, finding the lower left corner of the net to extend the advantage to 3-0. Franco Antoniolli Funes was stellar in goal as he totaled nine saves. The Trojan backline of Tiago Perez, Mariano Carpena, Pol Elias, and others held strong all night until the 71st minute when Lincoln Memorial found the back of the net, but it proved to just be a consolation as Anderson held on for the 3-1 win.
The Trojans will be back in action on Wednesday (Sept. 20) as they take on the Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m., with video and live stats available at autrojans.com.
