FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo men’s soccer team scored a goal in each half as the host Falcons defeated Francis Marion University 2-0 in the opening round of the Peach Belt Conference tournament Nov. 2.

Junior midfielder Phil Jackson led the Falcons (16-2-1) with a goal and an assist in the victory, which earned the Falcons a spot in the tournament semifinals Nov. 5.

Montevallo, the tournament’s fourth seed, will face top-seeded Clayton State University (16-2) in the semifinals Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Blanchard Woods Park in Evans, Ga.

Senior forward Nathaniel Foster gave the Falcons a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute of the contest. Jackson slid the ball through the defense to Foster, who slotted it past the Francis Marion goalkeeper.

Jackson scored the Falcons’ final goal in the 76th minute after he deflected a free kick off a wall of Montevallo players and into the net.

Foster led the Falcons with four shots on goal. Jackson added two shots on goal. Senior midfielder Daniel Pelletier, junior midfielder Tyson Eyo and senior forward James Steer finished with one shot on goal each.

Montevallo freshman goalkeeper Brendan Ledgeway recorded two saves in the victory. Ledgeway brought his win total to 15, which ranks second in the Montevallo record book for most wins in a single season by a goalkeeper. He also recorded his seventh shutout of the season.