GREENSBORO, N.C. The Methodist University men's soccer team wrapped up its regular season Wednesday afternoon with a USA South Conference matchup against Greensboro College at Pride Field. The Monarchs struck early and maintained their offensive pressure throughout the contest, securing a 4–2 victory over the Pride.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Greensboro, 4–2
Records: Methodist 10-2-5 (3-2-2 USA South), Greensboro 10-3-3 (3-3-1 USA South)
Location: Pride Field; Greensboro, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist wasted little time taking the lead, earning a penalty kick in the second minute after a Greensboro foul in the box. Senior Josh Mott stepped up and converted the opportunity, beating the goalkeeper to his right to put the Monarchs ahead 1–0.
- The Pride looked to respond with a pair of counterattacks, but the Methodist defense held firm. The Monarchs doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when senior Camden Hancox capitalized on a loose ball following a corner kick. After a Greensboro defender was unable to clear the ball from the box, Hancox collected it near the top of the 18-yard box and fired a left-footed shot into the right side of the net for a 2–0 lead.
- The Monarchs carried that momentum into the second half, extending their lead just 18 seconds after the restart. Junior Alex Ramson sent a pass forward to senior Carson Stretz, who flicked a header over the charging goalkeeper to make it 3–0.
- Greensboro answered in the 49th minute, as Jade Diane found the net following a combination between Toby Barnes and Kayden Brimah to cut the deficit to two.
- The teams traded possession through the ensuing stretch before Methodist added another goal in the 65th minute. Stretz set up sophomore Gerard Bradley, who finished the opportunity to push the Monarchs' lead to 4–1.
- The Pride earned a penalty kick in the 77th minute, and Oliver Randholm Luque converted the attempt, beating the Methodist goalkeeper to his left to bring Greensboro within two at 4–2.
- Both teams created another opportunity on target as the clock wound down, but the goalkeepers came up with the stops to preserve the final margin and seal the Monarchs' regular-season-closing victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Methodist's four-goal performance marked the sixth time this season the Monarchs have scored at least four goals in a match.
- Although Greensboro held a narrow 10–9 advantage in total shots, Methodist put more attempts on target, 8–5, demonstrating the Monarchs' ability to generate dangerous scoring opportunities.
- Stretz led the Methodist offense with three points on one goal and one assist. Bradley, Hancox and Mott each added a goal, finishing with two points apiece.
- Senior goalkeeper Trey Gohr played all 90 minutes for the Monarchs, allowing two goals and recording three saves.
UP NEXT
Methodist secured the No. 5 seed in the upcoming USA South Men's Soccer Tournament and will travel to face fourth-seeded Pfeiffer University on Saturday, October 31. The kickoff time has yet to be announced.
