FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. In a game that saw the Monarchs take nearly three times as many shots as their opponents, the score remained constant for all 90 minutes. The Methodist men's soccer team recorded its eighth tie of the season and fourth in conference play with a nil–nil result against Greensboro College on Saturday as defenses won the night for both sides. It's the second season in a row that the two teams have played to a scoreless decision.
Prior to the match,
Harrison Broome,
Sean Laney,
Matthew Manzano,
Kaleb Thomas and
Matthew Walker were honored for their senior night. The five seniors each had a spot in Saturday's starting 11.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist ties Greensboro, 0–0
Records: Methodist 5-3-8 (1-0-4 USA South), Greensboro 7-4-4 (2-2-1 USA South)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Monarchs saw opportunities early, including three corner kicks and three shots in the first 10 minutes of play. In the 12th minute, Lucas Bender sent a blazing shot from the top of the box that slammed into the middle of the crossbar before being quickly booted away by the Greensboro defense. Methodist amassed 13 shots in the first half compared to just two taken by the Pride, but Greensboro goalkeeper Alvaro Hermosa made all four saves necessary to keep the Monarchs off the scoreboard.
- Greensboro saw a couple of opportunities early in the second half but was held in check by Walker in net, as he ended the night with three saves and directed a back line that allowed just eight shots in total. The Methodist offense fired off 10 more shots in the second half and was granted three corner kicks — including one in the waning seconds of the match — but the team was unable to capitalize on its chances.
NUMBERS
- Manzano and Bender unconventionally led the team in shots taken with four and three respectively.
- Methodist's 23 shots are tied for the team's second most in a game this season, but its five shots on goal are the fewest against a Division III opponent since recording just two shots on goal against Roanoke College on Sept. 9 (in a 1–0 victory for the Monarchs).
- This is the 10th solo shutout of Walker's career and his first one in 2025.
UP NEXT
With two games to go in the regular season, Methodist travels to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary on Wednesday, Oct. 22 to take on William Peace University at 7 p.m.
