HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker University men's soccer team grinded out a 1-0 victory against the Shaw University Bears on Saturday (Sept. 21) at the Coker Athletic Field. The win marks the third of the season for the Cobras, with their record now sitting at 3-2.
The Cobras were able to come out and set the tone early in the match, dominating the battle of posession leading to several scoring opportunities. In the first half the Cobras outshot the Bears 14-3, but were unable to convert any of those shots into goals as the two teams went into halftime scoreless.
Coker continued to impose their will in the second half. Perhaps the Cobras' best scoring opportunity of the night came in the 60th minute as they were awarded a corner kick. Riccardo Ricci placed the ball perfectly on the near side of the box, finding the head of Morgan Ratcliffe. However, Ratcliffe's header went just wide as the game remained scoreless. The Cobras stayed on the attack and eventually found the back of the net, as Chrsitian Provenzano broke free on the left side and fired a rocket into the far corner of the net giving Coker a 1-0 advantage.
It was the only goal the Cobras needed tonight as the defense had another strong performance. Goalkeeper Guilermo Falo Ejea recorded six saves and the back line of Adam Garner, Robi Obrstar, Steffen Husum, and Ratcliffe helped keep the Bears scoreless to fuel Coker to the 1-0 victory.
"I'm very proud of our team tonight," said head coach Michael Antoniewicz. "We did not panic, we were patient and stuck to the game plan. Our focus now shifts to preparing for the nationally-ranked Lander University Bearcats. We are confident and excited for the opportunity to play them."
The Cobras will be back in action on Wednesday (Sept. 25) when they play host to the No. 2 Lander University Bearcats in a non-conference match. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Coker Athletic Field.
McDonald's Player of the Game - Christian Provenzano