UMW Men’s Soccer soars above North Carolina Wesleyan for the first game of the season

by MADELYN TUNNELL

Staff Writer

On Aug. 30, the UMW men’s soccer team went head to head against North Carolina Wesleyan University to kick off the 2024 season. Spectators filled the stands with anticipation and were not left disappointed, with UMW defeating NC Wesleyan in a 2-0 shutout.

The Eagles started early with a strong display of both offense and defense, and this performance of strength continued for the rest of the first half.  

“The Eagles dominated the first half and held off the other team pretty well,” said Scott Powers, a professor in modern languages and literature who attended the game.

Senior political science major Carter Berg scored the first goal of the season less than 10 minutes into the game. Approximately five minutes later, he scored a second goal, bringing the Eagles to an early 2-0 lead in the first half. Berg’s first goal was assisted by graduate student business administration major Neslar Castillo, and the second was assisted by senior business administration major Jordy Santana. 

“I am thrilled to have scored two goals to start the season for us, and I can’t wait to keep creating goals with the rest of the lads all season,” said Berg.

The defense held the line and let little get past them as they worked to protect the Eagles’ lead. Senior marketing major and goalkeeper Freddy Rogers was sound in net, saving all five of NC Wesleyan’s shots. 

Though the Eagles dominated during the first half, they were unable to score throughout the remainder of the game. Castillo offered insight on what the team may be focusing on in preparation for the rest of the season.

“I think we are a good team but just finishing out chances and cleaning up on the ball will carry us a long way,” he said. “We had a very strong start to [the] game but we are looking to stay consistent both offensively and defensively throughout the whole game.”

Berg echoed his teammates’ sentiment.

“If there’s anything I think can be improved from [the game], I think it’s that we took our foot off the gas after we went up 2-0,” he said. “We should’ve scored many more than two goals, and better teams might make us pay for getting complacent after we take the lead.”

Last season, the Eagles had a record of 18 wins, two losses and two tied games that propelled them to the third round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championship. A team that is no stranger to season-long success, they are taking things each step at a time. 

“Our game was definitely not our best showing but I do believe we have a great season ahead of us,” said junior business finance major Nathan Macek. “We have high aspirations and goals for this season but are really just trying to take everything one game, one practice at a time.”

The Eagle’s next game is Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. where they will face off against Bethany College at home.