FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Coming off consecutive ties in conference play, the Methodist men's soccer team hosted the Southern Virginia University Knights on Friday hoping to get back in the win column. After conceding a goal in the waning minutes of the first half, the Monarchs managed an equalizer but were unable to net another goal, resulting in their third straight draw.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist ties Southern Virginia, 1–1
Records: Methodist 5-2-7 (1-0-3 USA South), Southern Virginia 4-7-2 (1-1-1 USA South)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist saw three solid chances in the first half — the first being a header by Steven Floyd in the 10th minute that was saved by goalkeeper Troy Chamberlain. In the 30th minute, Josh Mott nearly scored off an Alex Ramson corner kick, getting his foot on the ball for a shot that ricochetted off the crossbar.
- Methodist was awarded an indirect free kick with seven and a half minutes to go in the half after Chamberlain used his hands to field a back–pass from his teammate, giving the Monarchs a prime scoring opportunity. After the initial touch, Matthew Manzano sent a blazing shot toward the goal that missed just left, striking the post before Chamberlain pounced on the loose ball.
- The Knights struck in the 42nd minute after passing the ball around the box. Kenyon Grange initially had the ball on the right side before sending it across to multiple teammates on the left. Kohl Simmons ended up getting the ball back to Grange, whose foot did not connect with the ball on first swipe. After a quick recovery, his second kick attempt sent the ball rolling past Trey Gohr into the bottom left corner of the net.
- It didn't take Methodist too long to even the score back up. Looking to score early in the second half, the Monarchs fired off five shots across the first 10 minutes before finally putting the sixth one in. On a corner kick delivered by Carson Stretz, Garrett Panos played a beautiful pass off his head to Mott near the left post. After a shot by Mott that was saved, Floyd found himself in the right place at the right time, connecting with the ball and sending it whizzing into the net.
- The Monarchs outshot the Knights 14 to one in the second half but were unable to secure a game–winning goal. With about 15 seconds left in the match, the Knights nearly got the ball up to their leading goal–scorer Tate Hickman, but Gohr came off his line and won the race to the ball, ensuring the Knights wouldn't score at the buzzer.
NUMBERS
- Gohr tallied just one save on the night, marking the 100th save of his collegiate career.
- Floyd's goal is his fifth across the team's last four matches.
- The Monarchs have not lost since Sept. 13, having tied five times and won twice across the last seven matches.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs have a unique non–conference challenge set for Tuesday, Oct. 14 when they travel to Buies Creek to take on Division I opponent Campbell University. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
