HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College men's soccer team picked up a 2-1 win over the visiting Anderson University Trojans in a midweek South Atlantic Conference showdown. The win improves the Cobras to 2-1-1 and 1-0 in SAC play.
The Trojans were the first to strike in the 39th minute, when Austin Fain connected on a volley, propelling Anderson to an early 1-0 lead. However, the Cobras would not hang their heads, as Aladdin Elfares won a scramble in front of the Anderson net and chipped it in the back of the net in the final minute of the opening half. The equalizer left the score tied at 1-1 as the teams departed for halftime.
The Navy and Gold came out of the gate quickly in the second half, as one of the early offensive runs caused an Anderson handball in the box, leaving Coker to take a penalty kick. Alvaro Urena took the PK, finding the twine and giving the Cobras a 2-1 lead. Both teams would have opportunities in the remaining 40 minutes, however the Cobra defense held strong and opened up SAC play with a 2-1 win at home.
Elfares led the way for the Cobras. He took five shots, three shots on goal and found the back of the net for the third-consecutive game. Urena had three shots, two of which were on goal and scored his second goal of the season. Chris Bordelon and Jacob Simonis also had shots on goal in the contest.
In goal, Michael Ritterbeck collected two saves in the win, allowing the lone Anderson goal.
The Cobras will begin a three-match road trip on Saturday (Sept. 17), when they travel to Brevard to take on the Tornados in a South Atlantic Conference matchup. Opening kick is set for 2 p.m.
McDonald's Player of the Game – Aladdin Elfares
