Box Score

Wingate, N.C.----The Francis Marion University men’s soccer team tallied a goal in each half as the number 22 Patriots defeated Wingate University 2-0 Thursday night at the WU Soccer Complex. The contest was the season opener for both teams.

The pre-season co-favorite to win the Peach Belt Conference, Francis Marion entertains St. Andrews Presbyterian College Saturday at 2 p.m. Wingate returns home to face UNC Pembroke Sunday night at 7 p.m. (Bulldog fans please note new day for the UNCP match).

Wingate filled up the box score, but could not convert at the opportune moment. The Bulldogs outshot the Patriots 17-7, including a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal. FMU junior goalkeeper Clark Richeson (Mansfield, Texas) picked up the shutout, notching nine saves.

Francis Marion sophomore midfielder Adrian Sikorski (Inglewood, Ontario) gave Richeson and the Patriot defense the only goal they would need in the 20th minute. His shot found the opposite corner from 18 yards.

In the 53rd minute, Francis Marion senior midfielder/forward Kyle Clinton (Safety Harbor, Fla.) completed the scoring by converting a penalty kick. The PK was the first one allowed by Wingate in two seasons.

Wingate junior goalkeeper Joey Calandra (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) took the loss for the host Bulldogs. He had one save. Calandra picked up 10 victories in 2008, helping Wingate (12-7-2 overall) advance to the finals of the Food Lion South Atlantic Conference tournament.