HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Anderson University men's soccer team came up short on the road at Coker University on Saturday (Oct. 7) by a score of 1-0 at the Coker Athletic Field.
Earlier this week, the Trojans ended a hard-fought match at home versus Tusculum in a 0-0 draw, while the Cobras picked up a dominant 4-1 win over Newberry. For the season, Anderson entered the match at 3-3-2 (2-1-2 SAC) with the Cobras stacking up at 5-2-3 (3-2-1 SAC).
Coker was able to come out and control possession early and throughout the match. The Cobras were able to consistently create opportunities in the attacking third while the Trojans struggled to do so. Coker outshot Anderson 14-1 in the first half of play while having five corner kicks. Just before halftime in the 43rd minute, Hykeem Martin escaped the Trojan back line and connected with Connor Duggan for the first goal of the night.
The second half proved to be more of the same as the pressure applied from Coker proved to be too much. The Anderson back line led by goalkeeper Franco Antoniolli Funes, who finished with nine saves, did a great job of keeping his team in the game making several impressive saves. In the 87th minute, the Trojans were awarded a corner kick taken by Thiago Ibarrolla. Coker was able to stop the threat and start a counterattack of their own. Connor Duggan was one on one with goalkeeper Antoniolli Funes, but the Trojan goalie made a great diving save to keep the deficit at one. With under a minute left, Anderson was given a free kick on their side of the field which proved to be their last opportunity to score. Coker held on for the 1-0 victory at home.
The Trojans will be back in action on Wednesday (Oct. 11) as they travel to face Mars Hill University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m., with video and live stats available at autrojans.com.
