Ricke helps lead FMU past Catawba 2-0

SALISBURY, NC – Junior midfielder Sven Ricke scored one goal and assisted on another to help lift Francis Marion University to a 2-0 blanking of Catawba College, Saturday night (Sept. 6) in the final match of the Indian’s 2014 Men’s Soccer Tournament.

Francis Marion (2-0-0) opens its season with back-to-back wins for the first time in six years.  The Patriots will play at Queens University of Charlotte on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.  FMU’s home opener will be Sept. 13 against Flagler College at 7 p.m.

Sophomore goalkeeper Mike Warn posted his second career shutout in only his third-ever appearance in goal for FMU.  He registered five saves as Catawba outshot the Patriots 11-10.  FMU led in corner kicks 6-2.

FMU graduate student Benjamin Kwast scored off an assist from Ricke to put Francis Marion up 1-0 in the eighth minute.  The Patriots’ other score came in the 71st minute.  Junior David Sheridan’s shot from 35 yards out clanged off the crossbar and the rebound would eventually end up at Ricke’s feet and he scored his third career goal as a Patriot.

Ricke ranked 40th nationally last season in assists per match and has recorded three in the Patriots’ opening two contests of 2014.