MOUNT OLIVE, North Carolina – The University of Mount Olive men's soccer team saw some late-game heroics propel the Trojans back into the win collum on senior day as UMO took down North Greenville 1-0 in Conference Carolinas action Saturday at Amon Field. Prior to the match seniors Justin Bellamy, MacLayne Gairrett, Charles Griggs, Andrew Martin, Anthony Wren, and Lewis Xiberras were honored for their service to the men's soccer program.
Game Information
The Trojans came into the contest desperately needing some positive momentum after a tough loss to their archrival a few days ago and following the first half, UMO was hanging tough being outshot by one, 6-to-5. The second half saw much of the same through the 72nd minute as NGU held a 4-to-3 shot advantage and the game was on a teeter-tottering point.
In the 76th minute Mount Olive was awarded a corner kick and junior Baptiste Tajan spotted up for the kick. The lefty stuck the high looping shot towards goal and found the far post where freshman Mustafa Nadeem was waiting. Nadeem headed the ball down into the bottom corner and the Crusaders keeper dove to no avail as the ball tickled the back of the net and gave UMO the lead at the 75:26 mark.
North Greenville recorded two more shots in the contest but the Trojans held strong and defended their net and took the victory snapping a three-game losing streak.
Trojan Leaders
Mustafa Nadeem was the leader for UMO as the only Trojan goal-scorer in the contest and the game-winner for Mount Olive.
Cooper Armstrong (1-0-0, 1-0-0 CC) in goal for the Trojans recorded his first win in a Trojan uniform collecting five saves on five shots on goal.
Crusader Leaders
North Greenville was led by Kike Molina and Zach Baker who each had two shots with one on goal for the Crusaders.
Key Moment
The second-half goal by Mustafa Nadeem proved to be the deciding factor as UMO needed just one score to come away with the senior day victory.
Up Next: Mount Olive will remain at Amon Field to host Chowan University at 7 p.m. on October 23.