Haddad's strike leads Lions to home win over Crusaders

MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill men's soccer team (2-3-1) came away with a 2-1 victory over Belmont Abbey (3-3-0) Wednesday inside the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium.

In the 70^th minute, Roberto Haddad drilled home his first career goal from over 30-yards out for the game-winning tally.  Haddad, receiving a feed from Sebastian Bertilsson, let the ball rip off of his right foot and guided the ball into the upper left corner of the goal to lead Mars Hill to victory.

Late in the contest, the Crusaders had an opportunity to tie the game, however, a shot rang off the crossbar and a Lions' clear quelled the attack.

Jordan Lennon scored his first goal of the season in the 20^th minute to put Mars Hill up 1-0 over the Crusaders.  Off of Jeppe Christensen's cross from the left side, Lennon leaped over the defenders and headed the ball behind goalkeeper Evan Morrow.

Late in the first half, Belmont Abbey tied the game as Davis McBee recorded his first goal of the 2019 campaign.  With a step behind the Mars Hill defense, McBee made a move past the Lions' goalkeeper to knot the game at one in the 35^th minute.

Both teams recorded 11 shots on the night with Bertilsson's three leading all players.  Brennan Whalen made two saves to pick up his second win of the season.

Mars Hill continues their homestand on Sunday when they host South Atlantic Conference foe Coker at 3:30 p.m.