Men's Soccer | 9/15/2012 5:00:00 PM

Box Score  
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist University men's soccer team began USA South Conference play with a 2-1 victory over Averett on Saturday afternoon at the Monarch Soccerplex.
 
The Monarchs (6-1-0, 1-0 USA South) opened the scoring early in the contest in the sixth minute with a goal by junior Eric McGinnis, who finished a cross from freshman Mike Ilodigwe.
 
Methodist would extend its lead in the 21^st minute when junior Hank Tobener found sophomore Eirik Nordseth in front of the goal on a 2-on-1 to beat Averett goalkeeper Nate Barker to give the Monarchs a 2-0 lead. Tobener's cross got past Barker and a Cougar defender as Nordseth was all alone to redirect the ball into the back of the net.
 
Averett (1-3-2, 0-1) would press forward in a physical second half. With just under 30 minutes remaining in regulation, Kevin Vigebo fired a shot into the top corner from just outside the box past Monarch senior goalkeeper Pat Hamel to pull the Cougars within one.
 
The game became more physical as the visitors pressed forward for the tying goal, when five yellow cards were issued in the final eight minutes of the contest, but Hamel was able to make a couple key stops as Methodist was able to hold on for the victory.
 
Methodist held a 15-11 advantage on shots while Averett led 9-7 on corner kicks. Barker finished with six saves while Hamel made three stops for the Monarchs as each played all 90:00.
 
The Monarchs are back on the pitch on Wednesday when they host Chowan at 5 p.m.