FERRUM, Va. — The University of Mount Olive men’s soccer team battled through a scoreless first half before Ferrum College scored twice after the break to hand the Trojans a 2-0 loss Wednesday afternoon at Penn-Roediger Field.
The loss dropped Mount Olive to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while Ferrum improved to 3-0-2 overall and 2-0-1 in league action.
Neither team was able to find the net during the opening 45 minutes. Mount Olive goalkeeper Nick Cutlip made three first-half saves to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard.
The Trojans generated five shots in the opening half, including two shots on target from Pablo Salazar. Ferrum held a 7-5 advantage in total shots and earned four corner kicks compared to two for Mount Olive.
Ferrum broke the scoreless tie early in the second half. Ben Hooper converted a penalty kick in the 51st minute to put the Panthers ahead 1-0.
Mount Olive continued to create scoring opportunities, with Abdoulaye Saine and Kevin Jimenez each putting shots on goal. Ferrum goalkeeper Michael Arzillo stopped both attempts.
The Panthers added to their advantage in the 76th minute when Christian Ott scored his second goal of the season, giving Ferrum a 2-0 lead.
The Trojans continued attacking late in the match, putting four additional shots on target over the final 15 minutes. Carlos Soto, Chanston Rodgers, Haythem Abraham and Connor Piwowarski each challenged Arzillo, but the Ferrum goalkeeper turned away every attempt to preserve the shutout.
Mount Olive finished with 13 shots, including eight on goal, while Ferrum recorded 14 shots with eight on target. Arzillo made eight saves for the Panthers, while Cutlip finished with six saves for the Trojans.
Mount Olive returns home Saturday when the Trojans host Lees-McRae at 1 p.m. at Amon Field.
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