Lancaster, SC - Cape Fear men's soccer opened the 2018 season with a 1-0 overtime victory over conference opponent USC Lancaster.

Despite the final scoreline, the Sea Devils didn't start off on the right foot in the first half. However, head coach C.W. Ponton continued to believe in his team as the game went on.

"We came out looking very rough, and safe to say I wasn't pleased in the first half," said coach Ponton. "We started the second half much better and controlled the pace, but we couldn't seem to find the back of the net."

The goal would finally come in the 95th minute, when freshman forward Charles Basse found himself inside the six yard box and was able to finish the play off an assist from freshman midfielder Travis Cotton.

"We entered OT with the confidence that we were going to walk away with a win and we did just that."

While Basse and Cotton combined for the game's winning goal, other Sea Devils stepped up throughout the game. Sophomore forward DaShaun Brown constantly moved well off the ball, and his physical play proved dominant over USC Lancaster.

Meanwhile, freshman forward Brooks McGill was active on goal throughout the game, striking all three of his attempted shots on goal. His creative play from left back and left mid earned him the chances, but he was unable to convert.

Finally, freshman goalkeeper Wells Bridgforth made eight saves in the game to keep the clean sheet. He showed good leadership from goal and provided offensive passing through the back.

With such a thrilling ending, today's game marks what coach Ponton sees as the start of a "long journey."

"This is game one of a long journey together. I know we will perform much better than this, but [I] was happy with my team's resilience."

Cape Fear starts the season off 1-0 both overall and in conference play.

Their next game is scheduled for Sunday, August 26th at 2:00 p.m., where they will take on USC Union on the road.

Courtesy of Nick Denning