AIKEN, S.C. – The Flagler College men's soccer team (3-0-3 overall, 3-0 conference) extended their winning streak to three straight games with a quality 2-1 victory over USC Aiken (1-3 overall, 0-2 conference) on Wednesday evening. The Saints used a pair of first half goals and stout defensive play to remain perfect in Peach Belt Conference play.
SCORING SUMMARY
3' – Flagler –
Filip Hornburg (Penalty Kick)
9' – USC Aiken – Giuliacci Gustavo (Unassisted)
21' – Flagler –
John McGarry (Assist
Dani Freire)
TURNING POINT
The midweek conference clash started fast in Aiken, South Carolina with both teams cracking the scoring column within 10 minutes. Flagler struck first just three minutes in, as an early attacking opportunity led to a foul in the box and giving the Saints a penalty kick opportunity.
Filip Hornburg stepped up and booted a strike past the Pacers keeper for the early lead.
Just six minutes later, USC Aiken responded off a corner kick opportunity. The Pacers sent the set piece into the box, and the initial attack was partially cleared by the Saints backline. The attempted clear found Giulacci Gustavo on the right side of the box and he struck a shot back at goal, which was deflected up into the net for the equalizer.
Flagler remained aggressive and regained the lead in the 21
st minute as the junior duo of
Dani Freire and
John McGarry teamed up for a beautiful give-and-go. Working on the left side of the box, Freire found McGarry at the box. The Ponce Inlet, Florida dished it right back to Freire and took off to goal where Freire connected with him in stride and McGarry beat the Pacers netminder for the 2-1 advantage. The go-ahead goal proved to be the game-winner as the Saints backline held off a fearless Pacers attack that finished with 10 shots.
KEY STATS & NOTES
- Junior John McGarry put away his only shot of the game, burying his first goal as a Saint over 59 minutes of work.
- Dani Freire continued to set up the Saints attack, distributing his fourth assist of the season. The junior leads the Peach Belt Conference in assists.
- Filip Hornburg executed on the penalty kick opportunity to bury his sixth career goal, and first of the season.
- Ryan Rivas got the start in net and faced three shots on goal and tallied two saves. The victory pushed Rivas into a tie with Camp Bissell for the most wins by a goalkeeper in Division 2 program history.
- Junior forward Henry Okenla led all players with six shots, including a career-high four on goal across 42 minutes.
- Pierce Amalberti and Luke Williams added a shot on the night for the Saints.
- With the win, Flagler improved to 23-2-2 all-time against USC Aiken.
UP NEXT
Flagler will return home this weekend and prepare to host No. 2 North Georgia on Saturday, September 19th. Kick off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. from Saints Field and the game will be streamed on the Peach Belt Conference Sports Network.
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