Box Score BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. – For the second consecutive year, the Converse University men's soccer team advanced to the Conference Carolinas Men's Soccer Championship Game by defeating the top-seeded Francis Marion Patriots 4-1 Friday afternoon at Browns Summit, N.C. 

It is only the second time the Patriots have given up four goals as a member of Conference Carolinas and is the worst defeat they have suffered to a fellow member of the Conference. 

Converse held just a one-shot edge on the Patriots, 13-12, and the same edge in shots on goal, 7-6.

The Valkyries started the scoring out early with a sixth-minute goal from sophomore forward Kyle Lewis. The Patriots, who allow just under one goal per game, 0.94 per game, found themselves down early for the first time in a long time. Converse did not take their foot off of the gas for the entire game.

Despite taking two fewer shots than the Patriots in the first half, 7-5, the Valkyries took their one-goal lead into the break. Sophomore goalkeeper Tim Baerwalde recorded four saves in the first half. 

Converse came out ready to score in the second half the same way they had in the first half.

Just three-and-a-half minutes into the second half Joel Houston doubled the lead with a shot from midfielder Nathan Hoover.

In the 67th minute, junior forward Jaxon Keene beat the Francis Marion keeper in a one-on-one and sent a shot through his legs into the back of the net, practically sealing the deal for the Valkyries.

Continuing the rain of goals, Lewis netted his second goal of the match, ensuring the Valkyries would be playing again on Sunday.

With 38 seconds left, the Patriots scored their lone goal of the match a day late and a dollar short. The teams ran out the final 38 seconds of the match and Converse secured the 4-1 victory.

The Valkyries are back on the pitch Sunday, Nov. 12 as they take on the winner of No. 2 Chowan and No. 6 Barton at Bryan Park in Browns Summit.

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