Browns Summit, N.C. – Francis Marion University Soccer Teams Shine in Conference Carolinas Tournaments
In a thrilling night of college soccer, Francis Marion University’s men’s and women’s teams both secured significant victories in the semifinals of the Conference Carolinas tournaments on Friday evening, advancing to the championship matches.
Men’s Soccer Championship Match Set
The Francis Marion men’s soccer team, seeded third, edged out second-seeded Converse University in a nail-biting penalty kick shootout, marking a significant step in their tournament journey. The game concluded in a 0-0 deadlock after regulation, pushing the match to the shootout, where the Patriots triumphed 4-2.
The decisive kick was taken by graduate student defender Thomas Monayer, clinching the win for the Patriots. This victory propels Francis Marion, now boasting a record of 9-5-6, into their third title match in four years of conference play. Converse, despite a strong season with a 9-1-8 record, had previously eliminated the Patriots in the championship match in 2022 and in the semifinals last year.
Francis Marion achieved a strong defensive performance, limiting Converse to only one shot during the match—a header that went over the crossbar. In contrast, FMU recorded seven shots, three of which were on target. Goalkeeper Alberto Aragoneses Lablanca was instrumental in the shootout, making two crucial saves to secure the victory.
The Patriots will face top-seeded Chowan University, who defeated Young Harris College 3-2 in the other semifinal, on Sunday at 4 p.m. The upcoming clash will be held at the Truist Soccer Complex at Bryan Park in Browns Summit. The winner will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
Women’s Soccer Success
In another exciting turn of events, the FMU women’s soccer team also celebrated a thrilling victory over second-seeded UNC Pembroke, finishing with a score of 2-1. Senior All-Conference defender JG Garon scored the game-winning goal with only 50.1 seconds remaining on the clock, bringing the Patriots to their first title match since joining Conference Carolinas.
The game began with a swift goal from junior All-Conference forward Tehya Davé, who capitalized on a defensive misstep to put FMU ahead 1-0. Despite UNC Pembroke equalizing in the 71st minute through Anna Grossheim’s corner kick goal, the Patriots kept pushing for a winner. Garon’s late-game heroics not only sealed the win but also demonstrated the team’s determination to advance.
Francis Marion’s goalkeeper, Erin Grabeel, recorded a career-high eight saves, showcasing her skill and resilience throughout the match. The Patriots took a total of 15 shots, with eight on frame, slightly outpacing UNC Pembroke’s 14 shots and nine on goal.
As the women prepare for their championship match against Belmont Abbey College on Sunday at 1 p.m., both teams have set their sights high, eager to capture the conference titles and secure their spots in the NCAA tournaments. This remarkable showing by Francis Marion’s soccer programs highlights the significant growth and competitive spirit of the university’s athletic divisions.
