FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - Men's soccer played their home opener on Saturday night against North Greenville University. The Lions topped the Crusaders, 2-1 as freshman Alexander Panner scored an incredible two goals in the last three minutes. 

The game featured a physical exchange as the conference rivals battled it out to gain the upper hand. After a first half that included a plethora of penalties, neither team was able to score a goal as they went into halftime at 0-0. 

The second half continued the aggressive play as four yellow cards were handed out (two for each team) and the teams amassed a combined total of 22 fouls. In the 86th minute, the Crusaders put the first point of the night on the board as Carlos Navarro scored a goal. However, just as it looked like the game was going to go to North Greenville, Alexander Panner responded with a goal in the 87th minute. Then, with everyone expecting an overtime bout, Panner incredibly managed to score another goal with less than two minutes remaining off an assist from freshman Cian Walder. The Crusaders were unable to respond as the Lions won the match in dramatic fashion, 2-1. 

North Greenville ended the night with 17 shots, 7 of them on goal as Rodrigo De La Terga finished with 6 saves. Emmanuel recorded 6 shots, 3 of them on goal. 

Next up, men's soccer will visit Chowan on Saturday, September 25 at 1:30 PM. 

For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.