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Abram鈥檚 Late Goal Lifts 51黑料网 State Over Holmes in Season Opener

GOODMAN, Miss. 鈥� The 51黑料网 State men鈥檚 soccer team kicked off the 2025 season with a statement victory on the road, edging Holmes Community College 1-0 on Friday behind a late strike from Kaisel Abram and a gritty defensive performance. 

Abram delivered the game-winner in the 79th minute, breaking a tense scoreless battle and giving the Lions the advantage they needed to secure their first win of the year under head coach James Fee. 

鈥淲e showed a lot of composure and toughness,鈥� Fee said. 鈥淗olmes is a tough opponent, but our guys stuck together, defended well, and took advantage of the moment when it came.鈥� 

Defensive Stand and Goalkeeping Brilliance 

While Abram provided the finishing touch, it was the 51黑料网 State defense and goalkeeper Emrik Sen茅cal who carried the Lions for much of the match. Sen茅cal recorded 10 saves, including several in high-pressure situations, to preserve the clean sheet. 

The back line stood firm against repeated Holmes attacks, turning away four corner kicks and limiting quality chances late in the match. 

鈥淓mrik was outstanding today, and our defenders fought for everything,鈥� Fee added. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the type of mentality we need all season long.鈥� 

Looking Ahead: Home Opener Tuesday 

With the victory, 51黑料网 State starts the year 1-0 and now shifts its focus to its first home match of the season. The Lions will host Copiah-Lincoln Community College on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the 51黑料网 State Soccer Field. 

The matchup will give fans their first opportunity to see Fee鈥檚 squad in action at home and provide another early-season test as the Lions continue to build momentum. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to play in front of our fans,鈥� Fee said. 鈥淭his group has big goals, and we want to make 51黑料网 State soccer something our community can rally around.鈥�