FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. -- Belmont Abbey rallied from an early deficit to take a second-half lead, but Emmanuel scored late to force overtime as the teams played to a 2-2 draw Wednesday night in the first round of the Conference Carolinas Men's Soccer Tournament. The Lions advanced to the quarterfinals Saturday with an 8-7 victory in the penalty-kick shootout.
With the result, the Crusaders closed their season at 5-9-4 on the season, while Emmanuel improves to 8-7-2.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Emmanuel opened the scoring in the ninth minute and held the advantage through the first half.
- Luca Pereira tied the match in the 66th minute, scoring his first goal of the season off assists from Manel Rastrollo Gomez and Sam Howe.
- Emrick Stanley put The Abbey in front in the 78th minute with an unassisted goal, giving the Crusaders a 2-1 advantage, but Emmanuel equalized just seven minutes later, sending the match to overtime.
- In the penalty shootout, Emmanuel's Edouard Laberge and Belmont Abbey's Jackson Bennett each made a save during the first five attempts. Kickers were successful on the next six attempts. In the ninth round, the Lions converted before Laberge made a second save.
- Belmont Abbey outshot Emmanuel 23-5, including an 11-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Crusaders also earned 10 corner kicks compared to three for the Lions.
- Bennett made two saves for Belmont Abbey during regulation and overtime.
