Rocky Mount, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer team battled Mary Washington through a tightly contested opening half before falling 4-1 on Wednesday evening at Scalf Field.
Mary Washington created several early opportunities, but goalkeeper Elliot Helander kept the Battling Bishops in the match with three saves over the opening 19 minutes. NC Wesleyan generated its first shot on goal in the 21st minute when Jesper Fornebo forced a save from Mary Washington goalkeeper Johnathan Irani.
The Eagles broke through at the 27:20 mark when Michael Lenhard scored to give Mary Washington a 1-0 advantage. NC Wesleyan responded quickly, needing just over two minutes to find the equalizer. Riccardo Baisi scored at the 29:53 mark off an assist from Cole Sheehan to bring the match even at 1-1.
The Bishops held the tie through the remainder of the opening half, with Helander making another save and Xavier Barnes putting a late attempt on goal as the teams entered halftime even at 1-1.
Mary Washington regained the lead in the 65th minute when Christian Rodriguez scored off an assist from John Maggio. NC Wesleyan continued searching for another equalizer, with Jordi Rodriguez putting a shot on frame in the 68th minute, but Irani made the save.
The Eagles added two late goals to pull away, with Elliot Berg scoring at the 76:24 mark before Lenhard added his second goal of the night in the 86th minute. NC Wesleyan continued battling through the final whistle, with Lorenzo Bertoni recording the Bishops' final attempt in the 89th minute.
Baisi scored NC Wesleyan's lone goal, while Sheehan recorded the assist. Helander played 83 minutes in goal and finished with eight saves before Kian Rojas entered for the final seven minutes.
NC Wesleyan finished with eight shots, including four on goal, while Mary Washington recorded 20 total attempts. The Bishops remained tied with the Eagles through the opening 45 minutes before Mary Washington pulled away in the second half.
