Rocky Mount, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer team punched its ticket to the USA South Championship with a 2-1 comeback victory over Pfeiffer University on Wednesday evening at Scalf Field. The Battling Bishops scored twice in the second half to erase a one-goal deficit and advance to Saturday's title match.
NC Wesleyan created several early opportunities, with Jesper Fornebo putting a shot on goal in the 13th minute before the Bishops continued to pressure the Pfeiffer defense throughout the opening half. Daan Post added another attempt on frame late in the period, but Pfeiffer carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime after Wesley Hooker scored at the 31:24 mark.
The Bishops came out aggressively after the break, earning back-to-back corner kicks in the opening minute of the second half. Jordi Rodriguez, Kristoffer Sorby and Post each forced saves from Pfeiffer goalkeeper Seth Limbert as NC Wesleyan continued searching for the equalizer.
NC Wesleyan finally broke through at the 67:57 mark when Cole Sheehan found the back of the net off an assist from Lorenzo Bertoni, bringing the match level at 1-1. The Bishops continued to apply pressure after the tying goal as they looked to complete the comeback.
The deciding moment came with less than six minutes remaining. At the 84:24 mark, Mikkel Christensen scored off an assist from Edras Turcios Valle to put NC Wesleyan in front, 2-1, sending the Scalf Field crowd into celebration.
The Bishops held firm through the closing minutes to secure the semifinal victory and advance. Elliot Helander played all 90 minutes in goal and finished with three saves, while NC Wesleyan's defense limited Pfeiffer to seven total shots.
Sheehan and Christensen each scored for the Bishops, while Bertoni and Turcios Valle recorded assists. NC Wesleyan finished with 18 shots, including eight on goal, and held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks as the Bishops controlled much of the match.
With the win, NC Wesleyan advances to the 2026 USA South Men's Soccer Championship. The Battling Bishops will host Southern Virginia University on Saturday, November 7, at 2:00 p.m. with the conference title on the line.
