FLORENCE S.C.- Francis Marion University found it hard to get many opportunities on goal, and when it did, the Patriots ended up with hard luck.  FMU dropped the decision, 1-0 to the UNC Pembroke Braves, Wednesday afternoon in Peach Belt Conference men’s soccer action at the FMU Soccer Field.

 

The Patriots (4-11-1, 2-4-1) and the Braves (10-3-2, 3-2-2) battled to a scoreless tie through the first 50 minutes before UNC Pembroke broke through.  Brave forward Adam Smith gathered the ball at the top of the box and drilled a shot just out of the reach of diving keeper, freshman Nick Lucido as it snuck under the crossbar in the 51st minute.

 

Francis Marion’s best opportunity to answer the tally came just three minutes later in the 54th minute  as a corner kick service from senior Cameron Mabee found the head of fellow senior Adrian Williams.  Williams redirected the ball on frame before a UNCP defender booted the ball back out of the box before it could cross the goal line.

 

The Braves nearly doubled their total in the 81st minute when a header from Sam Miles hit the post.

 

FMU trailed the Braves in shots 10-4, as well as corner kicks 7-3.

 

Lucido turned away two shots, while UNC Pembroke keeper, Ryan Hanson recorded the shutout making two saves of his own.

 

Francis Marion will host its senior day Saturday afternoon as the Patriots welcome in North Georgia College and State, with kick off set for 2 p.m.