Misenheimer, NC. — The North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer team opened USA South play with a 2-1 comeback victory over Pfeiffer University on Saturday afternoon at Lefko-Mills Field, scoring twice in the second half to erase a one-goal deficit.
The two sides played through a scoreless opening half, with NC Wesleyan generating a pair of opportunities. Edras Turcios Valle recorded an attempt in the 28th minute before Joel McGinnes put a shot on goal just before halftime, forcing a save from Pfeiffer goalkeeper Seth Limbert.
Pfeiffer broke the deadlock at the 58:08 mark when Jaiden Wright scored off an assist from Barrett Owens to give the Falcons a 1-0 advantage. The Bishops answered just over 10 minutes later when Riccardo Baisi found the back of the net at 68:25, bringing the match level at 1-1.
With the match still tied late in the second half, NC Wesleyan delivered the deciding goal. Mikkel Christensen scored at the 83:36 mark off assists from Santiago Calvo Lovera and Turcios Valle, completing the comeback and giving the Bishops a 2-1 advantage.
NC Wesleyan's defense held strong through the closing minutes to preserve the one-goal lead. Elliot Helander played all 90 minutes in goal as the Bishops kept Pfeiffer from finding another breakthrough and secured the conference road victory.
Baisi and Christensen each scored for NC Wesleyan, while Calvo Lovera and Turcios Valle recorded assists on the game-winning goal. The Bishops finished with five shots, including three on goal, and made the most of their second-half opportunities to earn their first USA South victory of the season.
