North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Averett University at Scalf Field, using a strong second-half surge to erase an early deficit and claim the USA South win. The result pushed the Bishops to 3-1 on the season, while Averett fell to 2-2.
The opening half was a battle of possession and patience, with Averett striking first in the 24th minute. Gavin Blanks put the Cougars on top after finding space inside the box, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage that they carried into halftime despite Wesleyan controlling much of the tempo. The Bishops created opportunities in the first half but could not break through against Averett goalkeeper Anibal Lopez, who made several timely saves to preserve the lead.
Wesleyan's persistence paid off after the break. In the 72nd minute, forward Max Diaz Elizarde provided the equalizer, slotting home a chance off a feed from Jordi Rodriguez to level the score at 1-1. The Bishops continued to apply pressure, with Israel Monsanto and Felix Akselsen testing the Averett defense, and finally broke through again in the closing minutes. With just three minutes remaining in regulation, Rodriguez capitalized on a late opportunity and buried the game-winner in the 87th minute to complete the comeback.
The Bishops controlled the stat sheet throughout, outshooting Averett 12-3 overall and putting nine shots on frame compared to just one for the Cougars. Wesleyan also earned a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks, keeping the ball in dangerous areas for much of the contest. Lopez finished with five saves for Averett, while Wesleyan goalkeeper Jacob Westermark went untested in the save column, as the Bishop defense held the Cougars to only three total shots across 90 minutes.
Several Bishops made key contributions in the win. Rodriguez played all 90 minutes and factored into both goals with one goal and one assist, leading the offensive charge. Diaz Elizarde logged 63 minutes and converted his lone shot on goal for the equalizer. Monsanto recorded two shots, including one on frame, while Akselsen added another shot on goal during his 71 minutes of action. The back line, anchored by consistent defending, limited Averett's scoring opportunities and allowed Wesleyan to stay on the front foot for most of the match.
