HARTSVILLE, S.C. — Jesper Schierholz scored with just over seven minutes remaining as eighth-ranked Coker University picked up a 1-0 victory over Tusculum University in South Atlantic Conference men’s soccer Saturday night.
The Cobras (12-1-0, 8-1-0 SAC) won their 10th straight match and posted their fifth shutout in the last six matches in a match that saw a combined five shots on goal. The teams combined for 33 fouls and five yellow cards. The Pioneers (1-7-2, 1-4-2 SAC) lost their fourth match of the season to a Top 10 opponent.
A quiet first half saw one shot on goal from Coker and two from Tusculum, but the Pioneers had the best scoring chance in the 31st minute when Clarenns Sainrimat was taken down in the penalty area. Lars Schutrups was selected to take the penalty, but his low shot was stopped by Coker keeper Charlie Walker to keep the match even.
The match was drifting toward a draw when the Cobras struck in the 83rd minute. A pair of quick passes by Frederic Benedix and Connor Duggan set up Schierholz for a blast to the far upper corner past Tusculum keeper Noe Delmotte that gave Coker a 1-0 lead.
The Pioneers had two chances in the final 90 seconds, but a header by Mason Clark went wide with just over a minute remaining. A final attempt off a free kick with all players forward rattled around in the box before being cleared as time expired.
Coker had a 9-6 advantage in shot attempts and an 8-4 edge in corner kicks. Both Walker and Delmotte finished with two saves in the contest.
Tusculum will host Anderson in a rescheduled match on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at Pioneer Field. The Trojans (5-6-1, 4-4-0 SAC) defeated Lincoln Memorial 3-1 on the road on Saturday.
