Franklin Battles Past Anderson in HCAC Opener

Franklin College battled past the Anderson University men's soccer team 2-1 during Wednesday's Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opener in Franklin.

In the 14th minute, Dalton Grubbs made a long upfield pass to Sam Rowlison who made the pass to Usman Kamara. Kamara fought through the defender and put the Ravens (3-4-2, 0-1) up 1-0. Rowlison earned the assist.

Htoo Ray Moo served a pass into the box and Eddy Yousak redirected the ball for an equalizer for the Grizzlies (1-6, 1-0) during the 69th minute with Moo on the assist. Six minutes later, Dany Escamilla made a long pass upfield, setting up a 1-on-1 situation and Yousak beat the keeper to put Franklin ahead 2-1. Escamilla recorded the assist.

"I am extremely disappointed," Coach Scott Fridley said. "We let them get us out of our game in the second half and got us rattled. They had a good game plan to get us out of our game and it worked. Kudos to their new coach. When we controlled play, we were pretty good and did what we wanted. When we played our game, we were in control. We got the first goal and just missed a few more, but in the second half, we played impatient and let them keep us out of rhythm. You can't give up that many corner kicks and think you won't get scored on. I am disappointed, but I hope we use this as a stepping stone to get better and ready for Saturday. This game is now behind us and we must look ahead. We can't let this game define us. Transylvania is an excellent opponent and they will be ready for us. We will be ready for them."

Kamara tallied three shots and one shot on goal. Regan Frost put both of his shots on frame. Stephen Fite, Josh Martinez, Andrew Reis each put their only shot on target. Caleb Opoku and Drew Vaughn each added a shot to round out Anderson's 10 shots.

Danny Moro-Medina saved two of the four shots he faced.

Franklin outshot Anderson 14-10. The Ravens held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Anderson challenges Transylvania University (4-2-3, 1-0) in HCAC action on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Fridley Field.