Rocky Mount, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer team put together a resilient effort against unbeaten Catholic University on Saturday afternoon, staying within striking distance throughout a tightly contested 2-1 decision at Scalf Field.
NC Wesleyan's defense stood strong through the opening 45 minutes, holding the Cardinals scoreless and sending the match into halftime tied at 0-0. Goalkeeper Elliot Helander helped lead the defensive effort, coming up with an early save to keep the match level.
Catholic struck first in the 58th minute when Seth Michalak found the back of the net, but the Bishops answered with increased pressure. NC Wesleyan earned back-to-back corner kicks before Joel McGinnes sent an attempt just over the frame. Moments later, Jordi Rodriguez came through with the equalizer at the 65:25 mark to bring the match even at 1-1.
Catholic regained the lead less than four minutes later when Andres Lopez scored at the 69:14 mark. The Bishops continued to push forward, with Daan Post and Riccardo Baisi both creating late scoring opportunities as NC Wesleyan searched for another equalizer.
With less than two minutes remaining, the match was halted by rain and lightning, leading to a delay of more than an hour. Once play resumed, the Bishops returned to the field for one final push, but Catholic was able to preserve the 2-1 result.
NC Wesleyan recorded five shots in the match, with four coming in the second half as the Bishops increased their attacking pressure after the break. The Bishops also earned both of their corner kicks in the second half, while Helander played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with two saves.
