Francis Marion Claims 2023 Conference Carolinas Men’s Developmental Soccer Championship
BOX SCORE | WILSON, N.C. - The 2023 Conference Carolinas Developmental Men’s Soccer Champions are the Patriots of Francis Marion via a 4-3 thriller over Converse at Bulldogs Athletic Complex on the campus of Barton in Wilson, North Carolina on Monday night.
It was an evenly matched first half as each team tallied a goal and both attempted seven shots with Converse putting four on frame to three for FMU.
The Patriots scored twice in a two minute period early in the second half in the 65th and 67th minutes to take a 3-1 lead. Jose Curvelo, the eventual tournament Most Outstanding Player, scored the first goal at 64:27 and Sebastian Rengifo followed at 66:20. Converse responded with the second goal of the game from Chris Gibson at 78:54 and drew even on a goal from Jonathan Schrader, with an assist by Gibson, in the 83rd minute (82:28). The game looked destined for overtime until a header by Curvelo, off a corner kick from Sameul Lopez, for the game-winner.
The Patriots outshot the Valkyries 19-16 in the contest, but the latter had the edge in shots on goal, 9-7. Francis Marion goalkeeper Angelo Montoya had six saves in the contest while Chase Johnson made three stops for Converse.
Learn more about the developmental championship here. Fans can rewatch all the games from the tournament on-demand on the Conference Carolinas Digital Network at conferencecarolinasdn.com.