Central, SC - The Southern Wesleyan University Men's Soccer team picked up a non-conference win on Wednesday evening, defeating Mars Hill University from the South Atlantic Conference. 

The Warriors recorded nine shots, five on target. Brody Schroeder, Diego Hernandez, and Noah Koch led the team with two shots each, followed by Carter Pike, Tipton Wright, and Dillon Bennett with one shot each. Marco Iniguez played 77 minutes in net tallying five saves, before Luke Bramblett came in to play the final 13 minutes and tallied three saves. 





Game Vitals:

Final: Southern Wesleyan University 3, Mars Hill University 1

Records: Southern Wesleyan University (4-10-1), Mars Hill University (3-6-6)





How It Happened:

This was a very good performance from the Warriors. They didn't necessarily burst out of the locker room, but they did a great job of settling into the game early and not allowing any big chances before they got their own. Their first of the match came from the penalty spot after Josiah Pitts was fouled in the box by Mars Hill Goalkeeper James Price. Price did get a hand on the Noah Koch penalty, but Koch placed it well enough to give the Warriors the lead in the 20th minute. Shortly after, the Warriors had another solid chance as Tipton Wright picked up the ball with Price off his line. Wright struck the ball well but Price scrambled back to his net just in time to get a palm on the shot and keep it at 1-0. Just eight minutes later, Southern Wesleyan would add on to the lead. Reigning Conference Carolinas Offensive Player of the Week Brody Schroeder picked up the ball just outside the box, sped past the Lions defense, and smashed the ball into the side netting for his 3rd goal in as many games and the second for the Warriors on the night. 

Marco Iniguez had a couple of big saves at the beginning of the second half to keep the two goal lead for the Warriors. However, his biggest of the night would come in the 63rd minute. SWU was called for a foul in the box and Iniguez came up with a massive save from the spot to keep the lead where it was and momentum with the Warriors. Neither team created much in the middle portion of the second period, and the Warriors were happy to keep possession and limit the Mars Hill attack. In the 77th minute, SWU would add more cushion to their lead and again it was from a Noah Koch set piece. Koch sent a brilliant ball into the box from a wide free kick, causing trouble for the substitute Lion goalkeeper, who fumbled it into the net for the third Warrior goal of the night. Mars Hill would pull back a goal in the 80th minute, but it wasn't enough and the Warriors picked up an impressive non-conference win. 

Feren Nunez was named the Warriors' "Spark Plug of the Game", a team-selected award for a player who brought high energy and an impactful performance. Nunez was class for the team tonight in defense, helping keep their lead intact and securing the victory. 





What's Next:

The Warriors host Belmont Abbey on Saturday, October 21st at 3:30, followed by Erskine on October 24th and Converse on October 28th, all three at Childs Field.