Ruiz Leads Chowan Past Francis Marion for Conference Carolinas Men’s Soccer Tournament Championship
Bracket | Tournament Homepage | Championship Replay | Box Score
FLORENCE, S.C. – Chowan is the 2021 Fall Conference Carolinas Men’s Soccer Tournament Champions after capturing a 2-1 victory over top-seeded Francis Marion at the Florence Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.
Chowan controlled play in the first half and had numerous opportunities to score, but could not convert as the teams played to a scoreless first half. The score remained that way until the 76th minute when the Hawks played a quick corner and Erik Ruiz sent a low ball in front of the net where Timo De Graff redirected it into the left corner for the 1-0 lead.
Then in the 87th minute, Ruiz, the tournament MVP, sealed the win with a goal as he ran onto a ball delivered by Aldair Anica Hernandez and popped a shot over the keeper for the 2-0 lead.
Sam Pollard found the back of the net with three seconds remaining for the Patriots for the final 2-1 margin.
For the game, Chowan outshot Francis Marion, 21-14, with seven on frame to the Patriots’ four. The Hawks had a slim 5-4 margin in corner kicks.
After the game, Conference Carolinas recognized the 2021 Conference Carolinas Men’s Soccer Championship All-Tournament team which is listed below. Chowan was also presented with the championship trophy, banner, bracket and t-shirts.
The Hawks earned Conference Carolinas’ automatic bid to the NCAA National Tournament. The 2021 NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Championship selection show will take place on Monday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Fans can rewatch every game of the tournament live via the Conference Carolinas Digital Network and BlueFrame at conferencecarolinasdn.com.
2021 Conference Carolinas Fall Men’s Soccer Championship
First Round – Wednesday, November 3 (Higher Seed Hosts)
#8 Belmont Abbey def. #5 Barton, 1-0
#6 North Greenville def. #7 Converse, 2-1
Quarterfinals – Saturday, November 6 (Higher Seed Hosts)
#3 Mount Olive def. #6 North Greenville, 2-1
#8 Belmont Abbey def. #4 Lees-McRae, 1-0
Semifinals – Friday, November 12 (Florence Soccer Complex – Florence, S.C.)
#1 Francis Marion defeats No. 8 Belmont Abbey, 2-0
#2 Chowan def. No. 3 Mount Olive, 1-0
Final – Sunday, November 14 (Florence Soccer Complex – Florence, S.C.)
#2 Chowan def. No. 1 Francis Marion, 2-1
2021 Conference Carolinas Fall Men’s Soccer Championship
All-Tournament Team
Erik Ruiz, Chowan - Tournament MVP
Timo De Graaf, Chowan
Dennis Bates, Chowan
Devontay Blair, Chowan
Charlie Farrar, Chowan
Mauricio Castorino, Francis Marion
Jafet Santiago, Francis Marion
Noah Craig, Francis Marion
Alfie Pope, Mount Olive
Omar Gonzalez, Belmont Abbey