Rocky Mount, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan men's soccer team delivered a commanding performance on Thursday, defeating an NCAA Division II Shaw by a score of 5-2. The Battling Bishops were in control from the start, scoring four consecutive goals within the first 30 minutes of the match, led by a standout performance from Osei Darko.

The Basics:

Score: N.C. Wesleyan 5, Shaw 2
Location/Venue: Rocky Mount, NC / Scalf Field
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (2-2-4, 0-0 USA South), Shaw (1-5-0, 0-0 CIAA)

The scoring spree began when Tiago Feler found the back of the net in the seventh minute, recording his third goal of the season. The assist came from Darko, who set the tone for what would be a remarkable half of soccer. Just eight minutes later, Justo Esponda Neuss added to the tally with his first goal of the year, courtesy of a perfectly placed pass from Silas Hartkaemper.

Darko then took center stage, scoring back-to-back goals within a seven-minute span. His offensive explosion pushed Wesleyan's lead to 4-0 by halftime, as he finished the half with two goals and an assist, leaving Wesleyan firmly in control.

In the second half, the Bishops added one more goal when Tobie Smith found the net in the 80th minute, also recording his first of the season. Wesleyan registered fifteen total shots in the contest, with an impressive eleven on target.

On the defensive side, goalkeeper Jacob Westermark recorded four saves to help secure the victory.

Up Next:

Men's Soccer Travels to Pfeiffer on Saturday in the USA South opener.