From local reports
HARTSVILLE — The Coker men’s soccer team defeated Belmont Abbey 1-0, winning 6-5 on penalty kicks to claim the school’s first ever Conference Carolinas Men’s Soccer Championship on Sunday.
It was a neck and neck battle for more than 120 minutes of play with neither team conceding even the slightest advantage to the other. Belmont Abbey held a 13-10 shot advantage, while each goalkeeper made six saves in the match.
Each team had ample opportunities to put home the game winner, especially in the first overtime period. With just minutes remaining, Coker senior Ben Beetch made a career save, as he knocked away a Abbey direct kick from 18 yards out. Marc Mergena (nearly won a 50/50 ball, but Brandon Alvarez was able to make the save.
In the end it came down to a penalty kick shootout. Coker and Abbey stayed neck and neck yet again, with each team putting four of their first five shots in the back of the net. Then in the extra shooters, the sixth shooter for each team netted their shots and then as the seventh shooter
Fowler was able to score for Coker, but Ross Smith sent his shot wide, giving Coker the win.
The pairings for the Division II Southeast Regional will be announced today at 7 p.m.
All-Tournament Team
Stuart Wright, Limestone College
Luke Duffy, Lees-McRae College
Marc Mergena, Coker
Aaron Wheldon, Belmont-Abbey College
Ben Beetch, Coker
Jack Reid, Belmont-Abbey College
Tyler Senecal, Coker College
Emmanuel Yamson, Belmont-Abbey College
Noah Lascell, Coker
MVP: AJ Sweeney, Coker
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