FLORENCE, S.C. - The Barton men's soccer team (1-6-1, 0-4-1) played valiantly but ultimately fell to No. 18 Francis Marion (7-1-1, 4-0), 2-1, Wednesday night in a Conference Carolinas contest at Hartzler Field.

The Patriots, winners of six consecutive matches, broke a one-all tie with the match-winner at the 80:55 mark of the second half courtesy of Jose Coutinho (Lisbon, PORTUGAL).

Barton's goal came in the 48th minute when senior midfielder Akos Tajtyi (Castellon, SPAIN) took advantage of the defensive miscue and found bottom right corner of the net for his first goal of the year.

For Francis Marion, Volkan Celikkol (Ankara, TURKEY) opened the scoring in the 44th minute while Patrick Maher (Cairns, AUSTRALIA) earned the win in goal.  The Patriots also held a 19-3 advantage in shots taken in the triumph.

Barton junior goalkeeper Devin Agostinelli (Wake Forest, N.C.) made nine saves but suffered the loss. 

Barton does not play again until Wednesday, September 30, when the Bulldogs host rival and conference-foe Mount Olive beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Francis Marion, meanwhile, travels to Franklin Springs, Ga., to face Emmanuel in league action Saturday evening starting at 5:00 p.m.