Coker Men's Soccer Defeats Lincoln Memorial 2-1

HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker University men's soccer team picked up a critical South Atlantic Conference victory on Saturday (Nov. 2) over the Lincoln Memorial University Railsplitters by a score of 2-1.

The Cobras set the tone early in the match, as they were able to create nine shot attempts in the first half of play. In the 26^th minute, goalkeeper Guilermo Falo Ejea made a save, and quickly played the ball deep to Jacques Fokam-Sandeu. Falo Ejea's punt sailed over the Railsplitter back line, finding the foot of Fokam-Sandeu who was able to chip the ball over opposing goalkeeper Robin Hermann to give Coker a 1-0 lead.

Just before halftime, Lincoln Memorial answered back in the 36^th minute, as Danilo Seglio found the back of the net to equalize the score at 1-1 heading into the break.

It was a back and forth second half of play as neither team was able to convert on any scoring opportunities in the attacking third, with a potential overtime period looming. However, in the 87^th minute,  Christian Provenzano broke free on the left side of the pitch. Provenzano beat his defender, and fired a beautiful cross to Etzikel Martinez who scored the match-clinching goal for the Cobras, fueling a 2-1 victory.

"This was a great win against a very good Lincoln Memorial team," said coach Michael Antoniewicz. "It was a tough battle but our players fought until the very end to get the result we wanted. Great all-around team victory!"

Before the match, Coker University honored five Cobra seniors: Adam Garner, Steffen Husum, Riccardo Ricci, Quadarius Grate, and Edward Radley IV.

"Our seniors have been brilliant all season," said Antoniewicz. "I'm glad their final home match ended in a victory. They have all been great leaders on and off the field this season."

Etzikel Martinez was named the McDonald's Player of the Game for his second half goal. 

The Cobras will be back in action on Wednesday (Nov. 6) when they take on the Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Live coverage can be found at www.cokercobras.com