The College of Charleston men's soccer team picked up its first win of the season with a convincing 3-1 victory over Detroit Mercy in CofC's final game in the Diadora/Spinx Furman Invitational at Stone Soccer Stadium.
The teams battled through an even first half until Francis Twohig (St. Simon's Island, Ga.) elevated the Cougars with a goal in the 33rd minute. He controlled an entry pass off a corner kick from Joey De Mare (Chapin, S.C.) and scored to the near post from eight yards away.
The score was still 1-0 in the 56th minute when Twohig found the net once again. This time, he struck from 26 yards to the right of the keeper with Sean De Silva (Port of Spain, Trinidad) picking up an assist on the play.
Ya Ya Toure got Detroit back into the match in the 67th minute with an unassisted goal from the left side of the box.
The Cougars thwarted any potential comeback efforts moments later when Sean Bateau (Port of Spain, Trinidad) was awarded and converted on a penalty kick in the 68th minute, extending CofC's lead back to two goals.
The Cougars were able to control possession for the remainder of the game until the 3-1 score went final.
Freshman keeper Kees Heemskerk (Zaandam, Holland) went the distance in net, picking up four saves and earning the first victory of his Cougar career.
The Cougars will return home to host the Nike / Aaron Olitsky Classic at Patriots Point over the weekend of Friday, Sept. 17. CofC will play Bucknell on Friday night and Lehigh on Sunday afternoon.
"We have to continue to build on this performance going into our home tournament next weekend," said Lundy.