HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Junior Daniel Jackson scored his first goal as a Cobra, but it was not enough as the Coker men's soccer team came up short against Florida Tech, losing 2-1 in their home opener Tuesday night.
In a battle of regionally ranked opponents; Coker is No. 5 in the NSCAA Southeast Region poll and FIT is No. 8 in the NSCAA South Region poll, it was the FIT Panthers that controlled the pace of the game and eventually came out with the win.
After a scoreless opening half, the Cobras were first to strike thanks to an unassisted blast in the back of the net from Jackson at the start of the second half. Roughly 20 minutes later FIT's Gary Ogilvie netted the equalizer, making it 1-1.
The Cobras found themselves in familiar territory, as all three of their matches this season have been tied entering the final minutes of the second half. Unfortunately, FIT was able to score the eventual game-winner in the 82nd minute off a Drake Hillman fast break to make it 2-1.
The Cobras will prepare for their next match at home against the Bears of Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Coker Soccer Field.
McDonald's Player of the Game- Daniel Jackson
Jackson scored the Cobras lone goal of the game, his first as a Coker Cobra.