Men's Soccer Captures South Atlantic Tournament Championship

MATTHEWS, N.C. - The Coker University Men's soccer team captured the programs first South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship tonight (Nov. 14), taking down sixth-seeded Mars Hill by a score of 2-1 in double overtime. 

Mars Hill would take an early lead, when Kevonte Willoughby-Williams would score in the 15th minute of play. The Lions would take the 1-0 lead into the half, as they outshot Coker 9-6 in the first 45 minutes of play. 

In the second half Coker's offense would come alive, outshooting the Lions 9-6 with Mars Hill goalkeeper, Brennan Whalen making several doorstop saves. 

Coker's equalizer would come in the 70th minute of play when Gustavo Palmieri's pass to Jacques Fokam-Sandeu would sail past the Mars Hill defense to find the back of the net. Fokam-Sandeu's goal ties him for most goals in one season at 14. 

Coker's game winner would come in the 106th minute of play when Fokam-Sandeu's pass right in front of the goal would find Markos Touroukis, who sank a shot in the lower left side of the net, crowning Coker as the  2021 SAC Tournament Champions. 

Markos Touroukis, Bastiaan Jager, Gabin Guillou and Jacques Fokam-Sandeu were all named to the All-Tournament Team, with Fokam-Sandeu being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. 

With this win the Cobras clinch an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Coker's first round opponent will be announced tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.