photo gallery: https://clewisncwc.smugmug.com/11-5-21-M-Soccer/

CARY, N.C. - The 2nd seeded NC Wesleyan College men's soccer team shut out 4th seed Averett University 2-0 on Friday afteroon in the semifinals of the USA South Tournament from WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.

The win improves the Bishops to 9-7-2 and advances them to the finals of the conference tournament on Saturday vs. West #2 seed Covenant. The match will begin at 4 PM from Field 2 if no rain and will otherwise begin at 8 PM on the turf field if there is rain. 

Wesleyan got things rolling in the 27th minute as sophomore forward Augustin Rodriguez slipped a chip shot goal into an open net off a impressive assist from midfielder Gonzalo Brodsky. It was Rodriguez's 6th goal of the season.

Then, after a penalty in the box against the Averett keeper, midfielder Ian Garnero was awarded a PK with about 10 minutes to go in the first half. Unfortunately, Garnero's PK shot was saved by Averett keeping the game at 1-0 at the break with the shot count tied at 6 apiece.

Sophomore midfielder Luca Zallo then added the insurance goal the Bishops needed firing a strike into the net in the 70th minute of action to put the Bishops up 2-0. It was Zallo's first goal of the season. 

Wesleyan outshot Averett (9-7-2) 5-1 in the second half while freshman goalkeeper Frederick Rogers stood tall making 5 saves.  

The championship game will be hosted by William Peace University and take place on Field 2 of WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina on Saturday, November 6 at 4:00pm. Not counting last season's COVID-altered divisional tournaments, N.C. Wesleyan will be seeking their second consecutive title and fifth overall while Covenant will look to capture the program's second championship.

Tournament Bracket