FLORENCE, S.C. - The East Carolina soccer team used goal scoring strikes from Leah Bagonis and Caty Butler, while the defense held Francis Marion to just two shots as they posted their second shutout of the season Sunday afternoon, 2-0, at the FMU Soccer Field.

With the win, the Pirates close out their non-conference season with a 5-1-1 record and have not dropped a match since the season opener against South Carolina. Meanwhile, FMU falls to 3-6-1 on the season suffering three-straight shutout losses.

The Pirates, who outshot the Patriots 16-2 on the day, wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard taking an early 1-0 lead in the seventh minute of play. Following a corner kick by Kimmy Cummings, Butler connected on a header that rebounded off the cross bar. The ball went to the feet of Bagonis who knocked in a five-yard shot.

Defensively, the Pirates played lights out limiting FMU to just two shots - none on goal during the match. The Patriots' best scoring opportunity came in the 74th minute when Yasmin Bunter's corner kick began a 30-second sequence where ECU was unable to clear the ball out of the 18-yard box, but although possessing the ball, FMU was unable to get off a shot.

"Overall a solid game on the road," said head coach Rob Donnenwirth. "We had good possession, but I thought we missed some opportunities to penetrate. Out back played solid not letting their forwards to get behind us."

Butler put the game out of reach in the 83rd minute when she sent a shot to the back of the net from 12 yards out for her fifth goal of the year. With her assist and goal on the afternoon, Butler is now tied for the team lead in points (12) and goals (5) with Cummings. Bagonis picked up her team leading fifth assist on the play, while Rachel Wechsler recorded her first assist of the season.

ECU keeper Christiane Cordero registered her second shutout of the season (fourth career), although she did not have to make a save - both of FMU's shots were not on frame. Lauren Vetock registered six saves in net for the Patriots.

The Pirates will start Conference USA action this weekend on the road when they travel to Colorado College on Friday, Sept. 23 before closing out the road trip Sunday, Sept. 25.

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