Two unanswered goals by Francis Marion put them past the Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Soccer Team, who came up just short in the non-conference duel by a score of 2-1.

Edorta Cabieces scored both goals for the Patriots, which included the 77th-minute game-winner, to push Francis Marion past Lenoir-Rhyne for the first time since the inaugural meeting between these two programs on Sept. 19, 2000.

The Bears had a great jump in the contest as they captured another early lead for the second-straight match. Graduate Student Ivan Rubio recorded his first goal of the season in the 11th minute and LR had a lead after the opening half.

However, the Bears could not find a late equalizer and continue to search for their first win since the 1-0 result against Tusculum on Sept. 9.

There were plenty of corner kicks to go around with 16 total kicks from the flag. Lenoir-Rhyne had nine corner kicks, which is the most in a single game this season. Francis Marion was slightly better in the shots battle; they out-shot the Bears 12-10 on total shots and 6-4 with shots on goal.

Hector Nieto was shown his fourth yellow card of the season, which brings the freshman level with Diego Delgado for the most on the team.

On Rubio’s goal, Harri Rowe recorded an assist, which extends his lead with the most on the team with three.

Despite not scoring a goal in the first half, Francis Marion recorded double the amount of shots in the first half with eight compared to its four shots in the second half.

Lenoir-Rhyne continues to lead the all-time series, 3-2-2. This meeting marked the first time that these two programs have faced off since Oct. 14, 2017. The loss in Florence, S.C. marks the first time the Bears have lost at Francis Marion; had outscored the Patriots, 6-1, in prior meetings. The Bears continue to search for their first win on the road. In its four road matches, LR has a 0-2-2 record.
In its three non-conference games this season, LR has a 0-2-1 record.

The Bears drop to 1-3-3 overall on the season. The Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Soccer Team will return to SAC play with a road contest against Wingate; the Bears look to get their first win in Wingate, N.C. since Oct. 21, 2017. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday.