LANCASTER, Pa. – The No. 18 Franklin & Marshall men's soccer team (9-1-2, 3-0-2 CC) overpowered No. 16 Muhlenberg (8-2-1, 3-1-1 CC), 4-2, in Saturday evening's Centennial Conference (CC) matchup at Tylus Field. Despite facing an early 1-0 deficit, the Diplomats scored three-straight goals to push past the Mules in the battle between the nationally-ranked foes.

After the Mules jumped out in front with a goal in the sixth minute of play, Franklin & Marshall responded quickly with a score from Oscar Horwitz just four minutes later. A minute after F&M scored the equalizer, Nathan Schlessinger rocketed his second goal of the season into the back of the net to give the Diplomats the lead.

Franklin & Marshall added insurance in the 60th minute as a Muhlenberg own-goal gave the Diplomats a 3-1 advantage in the match. Despite giving up a score, Muhlenberg got a goal back in the 71st minute to cut the score to a one-score deficit.

In the 82nd minute, F&M delivered an attack in hopes of putting the game out of reach. Koa Kaliebe fired a shot that was saved by the Mules' goalkeeper. The rebound kicked out to Horwitz, who chipped a shot over the visiting goalkeepers' outstretched arms for his second score of the game and 12th goal of the fall.

The Diplomats weren't just successful on offense as the defense made huge plays down the stretch to keep Muhlenberg from tying the game. With the Mules attacking in the 75th minute, a shot that was destined for the right side of the cage was batted away by a diving Nolan Booth to allow Muhlenberg a corner kick. On the corner, the Mules sent another shot at the Diplomats net that was headed away on a defensive save from Schlessinger to extinguish the threat.

Both teams finished even in both shots (15) and shots on goal (eight) in the contest. Horwitz led F&M with seven total shots and five attempts on goal in the victory.

The win marks the second victory over a ranked opponent this season after the Diplomats took down then-ranked No. 3 Stevens, 2-1, in F&M's season-opener.

No. 18 Franklin & Marshall looks to add to its four-game winning streak on Monday as it hosts Lancaster Bible in the Diplomats final non-conference game of the regular season. Monday's contest is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.