FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist men's soccer team returned home Wednesday afternoon, hosting Division II Shaw University in non-conference action. After a scoreless first half, the Monarchs erupted for four goals in the second half to secure a 4–0 victory over the Bears at Duggins Soccer Stadium.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Shaw, 4–0
Records: Methodist 4-0-2, Shaw 0-6-0
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist controlled possession and generated the early offensive pressure, with senior Garrett Panos recording the Monarchs' first shot on goal in the opening two minutes.
- Later in the half, Shaw goalkeeper Alessandro Martinez was tested again as senior Carson Stretz and sophomore Gerard Bradley each put shots on target in quick succession. Martinez made two strong saves to keep the match scoreless.
- The Monarchs added two more shots on goal before halftime, but neither team was able to break through as the match remained 0–0 at the break.
- Methodist wasted little time changing that after halftime, scoring in the 48th minute to take a 1–0 lead. Following a corner kick, Bradley and junior Cameron Lambert connected on a quick give-and-go before Lambert sent a cross into the box. Stretz rose above the defense and redirected the ball with a header into the top-right corner.
- Stretz doubled the Monarchs' advantage in the 64th minute. Bradley's shot was stopped by Martinez, but the Shaw goalkeeper was unable to secure the rebound. Stretz pounced on the loose ball and fired it into the net for his second goal of the afternoon.
- Just three minutes later, Methodist added another goal. Senior Camden Hancox had his shot blocked inside the box, but senior Josh Mott collected the rebound and fired a right-footed shot past Martinez and into the right side of the net.
- The Monarchs continued their offensive surge one minute later, scoring again in the 68th minute. Senior Charles collected the ball near the top of the box before finding an open Brogan Murphy. The junior settled the pass just outside the eight-yard box and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 4–0.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Stretz led the Monarchs with two goals, matching his career high, while Bradley recorded a career-high two assists.
- Murphy scored his first collegiate goal in the victory.
- Methodist finished with 34 shots, including 17 on goal. The 34 shots were the most by the Monarchs since they also recorded 34 against Warren Wilson College in September 2024.
UP NEXT
Methodist remains at Duggins Soccer Stadium on Saturday, September 19, hosting Piedmont University. First kick is scheduled for 4 PM.
