Cobras Take Down Crusaders in Home Opener

HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker College men's soccer team came away victorious in their home opener on Wednesday (Sept. 5), taking down the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey 2-0.

The match started with a flurry of opportunities for both sides as the Crusaders earned three corners within the first three minutes of play. Coker fired off two shots in the early minutes, with Stephen Husum's effort flying just wide right of the far post. In the 38th minute, the Cobras had their best opportunity of the first half as Husum lofted a ball from the edge of the box that hit the crossbar, just missing the opening goal. In the 41st minute it looked as if Belmont Abbey had taken the lead with a late goal only for it to be taken away due to an offside call by the linesman.

Both squads came out of the halftime break with new life, but it was the Cobras who would strike first as Christian Provenzano's shot deflected in the net for his first goal in the Navy and Gold. Just a minute later Provenzano nearly netted a brace but his shot soared just high over the crossbar. Once again Provenzano got in on the action as he played a perfect pass across the box to the feet of Joao Silva, who fired his shot by the keeper to pad the lead. Belmont Abbey had a good look at goal in the 81st minute, but Zach Watson made a clutch save to preserve the shutout and add to his impressive performance in goal.

Offensively, the Cobras were led by Provenzano with five shots, three of which were on goal. Husum and Silva also chipped in with three and two shots respectively. Watson earned the win and clean sheet in goal while making five saves on the night.

The Cobras will be back in action on Wednesday (Sept. 12) as South Atlantic Conference foe Anderson (S.C.) travels to Hartsville for a matchup starting at 7 p.m.

McDonald's Player of the Game - Christian Provenzano