Newport News, VA. — The North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer team battled unbeaten Christopher Newport University to a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening at Captains Field, answering an early deficit and holding the Captains scoreless over the final 62 minutes.
Christopher Newport struck first in the 18th minute when Yazan Yaghmmour headed in a free kick from Colin Skwirut to give the Captains a 1-0 advantage. NC Wesleyan responded with pressure of its own, including shots from Cole Sheehan and Lorenzo Bertoni, before finding the equalizer later in the half.
At the 28:05 mark, Gareth Siemers connected on a header in front of the goal off a pass from Riccardo Baisi, leveling the match at 1-1. The goal was Siemers' first of the season, while Baisi recorded the assist.
The Bishops continued to challenge after halftime. Levi Engdahl put a shot on goal less than two minutes into the second half, while Joel McGinnes, Siemers and Daan Post all added attempts as NC Wesleyan searched for a go-ahead goal.
NC Wesleyan's defense remained steady down the stretch, keeping Christopher Newport off the scoreboard for the entire second half. Goalkeeper Elias Barneaud played all 90 minutes and recorded four saves as the Bishops held firm against a CNU attack that generated 17 total shots.
The Bishops finished with nine shots, including four on goal, and earned two corner kicks. Siemers led the way with the equalizing goal, while Baisi provided the assist as NC Wesleyan came away with the 1-1 draw on the road.
