ST. AUGUSTINE – Oscar Davidsson's goal in the 52^nd minute proved to be the insurance goal Flagler College needed to win not only its home opener, but its Peach Belt Conference opener, 3-2 over Francis Marion University Saturday night at a saturated Saints Field.

Flagler posted its first win on the season and improved to 1-1-1 overall. Francis Marion, also playing its first conference match, suffered its first loss of the season and fell to 2-1-1.

"This was a great win for us tonight," said Flagler head coach John Lynch. "Both teams fought hard and dealt with the difficult playing conditions."

Davidsson's free kick came from about 24 yards out from the left corner of the box and the ball seemed to weave through several bodies situated in front of the goal and into the back of the net. That gave the Saints a 3-1 lead, but there was still plenty of time left.

The Patriots drew to within a goal when Harrison Smith drilled home a shot from the middle of the box and just under the cross bar. Jayden Doyle tapped the corner kick to Sven Ricke who threaded the pass to Smith in the 57^th minute.

Francis Marion continued to keep the pressure looking for the equalizer, but just couldn't break through.

The Saints didn't take long in getting on the board. Erlend Lofsgaard scored in 2^nd minute as he blasted a shot from the middle of the box past PBC Goalkeeper of the Week Jonathan Mannes.

Doyle knotted the game at 1-all with a goal in the 38^th minute.

Pedro Silva headed in Caleb Austin's corner kick in the 42^nd minute to send Flagler into the half with a 2-1 lead.

Flagler's Lex Craggs recorded nine saves while Mannes collected six.

Francis Marion out-shot Flagler 21-17 and held a 14-7 advantage in corner kicks.

Flagler steps out of conference play on Wednesday (Sept. 16) when it hosts Florida Tech at Saints Field at 7 p.m. on "First-Year Experience Night."