CLINTON, S.C. — Senior forward Ethan Stevenson scored a hat trick in the final 14 minutes to carry the Longwood men's soccer team to a 3-1 win over Presbyterian in the Big South Conference opener for both at Martin Stadium on Sunday.
"Really proud of our group today," said Longwood head coach Paul Gilbert. "Really tough environment to come into and play well."
With the Lancers down, 1-0, in the 76th minute, Presbyterian goalkeeper Loan Marin (four saves) dove to punch out Simao Coelho's shot from outside the box, but the rebound deflected off of Stevenson into the net for the equalizer. Just seven minutes later, Stevenson nodded in a feed from Mikey Hernandez back across the face of goal in the 83rd minute for the lead.
Stevenson then completed the hat trick in the 90th minute after being clipped from behind in the box by the Blue Hose's Damian McGregor-Wickham, who was sent off with his second caution of the match. Stevenson stepped up to the spot and cooly deposited the ball into the left side of the goal with his right foot.
The Clover, S.C., native's team-leading third, fourth and fifth goals of the season represent the first hat trick for a Longwood player since Luis Ortner accomplished the feat on four shots in a 6-1 home win over UNC Asheville on Sept. 25, 2021. That match, incidentally, marked the last time the Lancers began the league slate with a victory.
For the second consecutive match Longwood (2-3-2, 1-0-0 Big South) spotted the opposition an opening goal but battled back to earn a result. Presbyterian (3-3-1, 0-1-0) struck first in the ninth minute on a corner kick by Steven Cordova, whose service to the far post was volleyed home by Reudd Manin.
PC held an 8-4 advantage in shots in the opening half and could have enjoyed a larger lead at the break.
"I thought we struggled a bit in the first 20 minutes but we grew into the game well and started creating some chances," Gilbert explained.
The Lancers turned up the pressure in the second half, firing 12 shots, seven on Marin's goal.
"All credit to our guys — they kept pushing and were finally able to break through and finish well. Today was a testament to the depth our group. Overall, really happy with the result."
Hinke earned the victory in the Longwood nets, turning aside six Presbyterian shots.
Longwood is back in action Friday, hosting USC Upstate. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., at the Longwood Athletics Complex and will be streamed on ESPN+.
