Rocky Mount, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer team grabbed an early lead and battled through the final whistle in a narrow 2-1 setback against Shaw University on Monday evening at Scalf Field.
The Battling Bishops generated several opportunities early in the opening half. Edras Turcios Valle put an attempt on goal in the 15th minute before helping create the game's first score. At the 20:07 mark, Turcios Valle connected with Xavier Barnes, who found the back of the net to give NC Wesleyan a 1-0 advantage.
NC Wesleyan carried the one-goal lead into halftime behind a strong performance from goalkeeper Julian Llanos. Llanos made three saves during the opening 45 minutes, while the Bishops finished the half with six shots and two corner kicks.
Shaw found the equalizer early in the second half when Elijah Henderson scored at the 50:06 mark to make it 1-1. Llanos continued to come up with saves as the Bears increased their pressure following the break.
The Bears took the lead at the 67:34 mark when Gaston Amuri converted a penalty kick. NC Wesleyan continued pushing for an answer, earning two late corner kicks and creating opportunities through Levi Engdahl and Barnes over the closing minutes.
The Bishops nearly found the equalizer in the final minute when Barnes put an attempt on goal at the 89:15 mark, forcing a save from Shaw goalkeeper Christoforos Theokli. NC Wesleyan continued battling through the final seconds before the Bears held on for the 2-1 decision.
Barnes led the NC Wesleyan attack with three shots, including two on goal and the Bishops' lone score, while Turcios Valle recorded the assist. Llanos played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with seven saves.
NC Wesleyan finished with nine shots, including three on goal, and earned four corner kicks as the Bishops remained competitive throughout the non-conference matchup.
