Coker and Lincoln Memorial Battle to 2-2 Tie in SAC Opener

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – In its first-ever South Atlantic Conference match, the Coker Cobra men's soccer team played the Lincoln Memorial Railsplitters to a 2-2 tie on Saturday (Sept. 14) night. The Cobras are now 1-1-1 on the year.

It was a hard fought and physical match from start to finish. In 110 minutes of action there were 26 total fouls and nine cards issued between the two teams. 

After a scoreless first half of action, Coker jumped out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Daniel Jackson with an assist from Jordan Snell in the 51^st minute. Seven minutes later the Railsplitters' Mario Pinto netted the equalizer.

The score remained deadlocked at one for just six minutes, as Jackson found the back of the net for his second goal of the evening with an assist from Chris Martin to give the Cobras to 2-1 advantage. Lincoln Memorial was not about to be out done as the Railsplitters answered the Coker goal with one of their own in the 69^th minute. 

Through the end of regulation and the two extra periods, both teams played exceptional defense. In particular Coker's Fernando Bedoya and David Arensdorf were a wall on the backline.

Both teams took 12 shots during the match. The Cobras held a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal. Mark Nankervis and Kyndle Cobb combined for three saves in goal for Coker.  

The Cobras will return to the pitch on Wednesday (Sept. 18) at home against Francis Marion. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. Coker will be hosting YMCA Night during the match with all members of the Hartsville YMCA receiving free admission with their membership card. 

McDonald's Player of the Game – Daniel Jackson