The FMU men’s soccer team was victorious over Clayton State University with a 2-1 win. This was their first home game in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC).

Damien Tergella posted his first goal this season for the Patriots in the 12th minute off an assist from Jordan Dechere where Tergella tapped in a rebound off the Lakers’ goalie save of Dechere’s shot.

Freshman Jonas Dovland also scored his first goal of the season off an assist from junior Levin Sandmann in the 87th minute. Sandmann crossed the ball in from the right side of the field with Dovland placing the ball in the back of the net right outside of the six-yard box.

The Patriots posted 10 shots total to the Lakers’ 13 and posted two corner kicks to the Laker’s seven, demonstrating the Patriots were more effective in putting the ball in the back of the net. Sandmann and Tergella each made three shots to help lead the team.

The Clayton State goal was scored in a last minute attempt by the Lakers off a corner kick that ended with them scoring in the 89th minute. The Patriots’ previous two goals provided enough cushion to supply a win.

FMU posted a total of 18 fouls, while Clayton State posted a total of 12.

There were seven yellow cards during the game. Two came from FMU sophomore Julian Kersting and freshman Max Lindquist.

Head Coach John Campbell said this was a key win for the team going into the PBC. With a record of 1-2-0 in conference, the Patriots got the win they needed to keep them in the running for the PBC tournament.

Campbell said that the game was more about passion and fight than graceful playing. According to Campbell, the team showed spirit and fight that they had not shown over the last couple of weeks.

According to Campbell, although the team can’t go back in time, if they had possessed this attitude during previous games they probably would have had a better result in their two losses in the PBC so far.