PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A pair of second half goals by Gianadres Franceschi lifted the Royals of Johnson (Tenn.) University past the University of Pikeville 3-1 in men's soccer action on Saturday at Bob Amos Park.
 
The teams traded first-half goals and went to the break even at 1-1. But while Franceschi managed a pair of scores, the Bears were kept off the scoreboard after recess.
 
Johnson improved to 3-1-1 on the season and 2-0-1 in AAC play. UPike is now 1-5, 0-2 in the conference.
 
Sophomore Robert Platt got the scoring started in the 12^th minute for the Royals on an unassisted goal.
 
It stayed that way until late in the half when Bear Olivier Wentink scored his first career goal in the 39^th minute. Junior Daron Baumann contributed with the assist, and the teams went to the break with a score each.
 
The first Franceschi goal came in the 50^th minute to give Johnson a lead it would not lose. He gained the insurance score in the 88^th minute to put the game away.
 
Platt had assists on both second half goals.
 
UPike had only one other shot on goal, coming from sophomore Matias Salviat.
 
Johnson also had one shot turned away, coming off the foot of freshman Jonah Thomas.
 
The Bears return to action on Wednesday afternoon, playing host to Carolina University. The match is scheduled to start at 5 p.m.