Lions win second straight, first at home

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Lions prevailed with a 2-1 victory over Coker Wednesday evening at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium.  The win marked their first triumph at home of the 2017 season.

Two second half goals led the Lions to their second win in as many contests.

Scoring his first goal of his collegiate career, Tatum Cartner tied the game at one in the 53' minute.  From inside the box, the freshman hammered home the shot past Cobras' goalkeeper Justin Walker.

The Lions pulled ahead with a beautiful one-time shot from Joakim Lien for his first of the season.  Stian Sanner crossed the ball from the left wing into the box and Lien blasted it into the empty side of the net to give Mars Hill the 2-1 edge.

Aladdin Elfares put the Cobras' up 1-0 in the 31' minute.  Capitalizing off of a mishandle from Ben Lucas, Elfares shuffled the ball towards the goal.  It ricocheted off of a sliding Mars Hill defenseman and gave Coker the early advantage.  Elfares led all players with four shots in the first half.

The Lions had a glorious scoring opportunity off of a free kick attempt late in the half.  As the ball was driven into the box, Oscar Mitchell directed a header on goal.  Walker made an incredible, reactionary save, punching the ball over the crossbar and preserving the Cobras' lead heading into halftime.

Lucas made four saves in the victory.  Walker made six in defeat.

The Lions improve to 3-4-1 (2-1-1 SAC) while Coker falls to 1-6 (0-4 SAC).

Mars Hill heads to Hickory, North Carolina to square off against the Bears of Lenoir-Rhyne on Wednesday, October 4.  The contest is slated for a 5 p.m. start.