BELMONT, NC – The Emmanuel Men's Soccer team traveled to Belmont, NC to take on Belmont Abbey in the first round of the Conference Carolinas Men's Soccer Championship. The Lions came into the game as the #9 seed, with the Crusaders at #4. What started out as a defensive battle, got exciting on the offensive end late in the game with both teams scoring to make it 1-1 at the end of regulation. Both teams had opportunities to put the game away, but it was Emmanuel who took the lead in the 108^th minute and upset the Crusaders, 2-1! With the win, the Lions improve their record to 8-5-3 overall, 6-3-3 in conference play. With the loss, the Crusaders fell to 10-5-3, 8-2-2 in conference.
 
In the first half of play, both teams had opportunities on the offensive end to take the lead, with nothing breaking through. At the half, the game was knotted at 0-0 with the Crusader leading in shots on goal, 2-0. 
 
After the half, the Lions struck first with a goal from senior, Rafael Calderon in the 73^rd minute of play. Belmont Abbey would respond with 20 seconds left in regulation, to tie things up at 1-1. It took two overtime periods for the tie to break when Emmanuel junior, Ross Lamont scored in the 108^th minute, assisted by Tomas Pollacchi, to take the lead and complete the upset 2-1!

Head Coach, Tim Starr could not be prouder of this group. 

"Tonight was a testament of the togetherness, courage through adversity and fight of this team."
 
Next up, the Lions will face the 2022 Conference Carolinas Men's Soccer Champions, Converse Valkyries on Saturday! 

For more information on Emmanuel Unviersity Athletics, visit goeulions.com.