BELMONT, N.C. — Sam Jordan converted two penalty kicks — one in each half — and that proved to be the difference as the Belmont Abbey men's soccer team defeated Francis Marion 2-1 in Conference Carolinas play Saturday night at Alumni Field.
Saturday's match was the regular season home finale for the Crusaders.
The Abbey extended its match-winning streak to three as Jordan tallied at least one goal for the third straight match.
Trent McConnaughey also made seven saves for the Abbey in goal.
The start of the match was delayed about 90 minutes after the women's match had been suspended due to inclement weather earlier in the day.
With the win, Belmont Abbey improved to 6-7-2 overall and 3-6-1 in league play. Francis Marion is 6-5-5 and 5-3-2 in the conference.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Crusaders got on the board quickly after the Patriots were called for a foul in the box.
- Jordan came through with the first goal of the match in the fourth minute.
- Both teams came out charging with seven shots taken by both teams in the first 45 minutes.
- Francis Marion pulled level in the 51st minute on a goal from John Osadolor.
- The Crusaders went back in front thanks to Jordan's conversion from the spot in the 68th minute.
- Jordan is now 4-of-4 in penalties this season.
- Six of McConnaughey's seven saves came in the second half.
- Saturday's win marked the first victory for Belmont Abbey over Francis Marion in the last six meetings dating back to the 2019 season.
- Belmont Abbey took 11 shots for the match compared to 16 for FMU.
- The Crusaders had two corner kicks for the match.
UP NEXT
- Belmont Abbey closes out the regular season next week with a pair of Northwest Division road contests.
- The Crusaders will face King on Wednesday followed by a match at North Greenville next Saturday.
- Both matches are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. starts.
