Cooper Gaypia's hat trick sealed the win for the University of Mount Olive in 3-1 victory over Queens in non-conference men's soccer Wednesday night in Charlotte, N.C. The hat trick was the first Mount Olive men's soccer hat trick since October 18, 2006; Adrian Daniels vs. Barton College. It also ties the school men's soccer record for most goals in a match.
Mount Olive (6-2) wasted no time getting on the board as Gaypia struck for goal. Fernando Tacuri took a free kick 35 yards out and found the foot of Gaypia for the goal. less than a minute later Gaypia picked up his second goal of the night unassisted in the 14th minute.
The match came to a hault with six minutes left in the first half as lightning was spotted in the area. An almost two hour delay kept both teams off the field until play resumed. The first half ended without any further offense and Queens (2-6) trailed 2-0.
Gaypia added the final goal to his hat trick in the 53rd minute. The Trojan forward took on the Royals keeper and beat him 1v1 and scored the final goal for Mount Olive. Queens however was able to put a shot in for a goal in the 82nd minute. Liam Doyle took a pass from Austin Huddy and added the lone goal for the Royals.
Mount Olive will remain on the road as the Trojans head to King University on Saturday October 3 at 3 p.m.