(RV) Men's Soccer Ties Bethel in Home Opener

Athens, Tenn.- The (RV) men's soccer team played their first home game of the season on Friday. After their last game was washed out due to weather, the Bulldogs returned to the field to face the Bethel University Wildcats.

Billy Boag had the first attempt at a goal, a header shot saved by the opposing keeper three minutes into the game. After successfully defending a corner kick and a shot attempt, a foul in the box by the opponents gave TWU a penalty kick. Wynand Wessels stepped in the box and gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage as the ball flew passed the keeper. Tennessee Wesleyan took their advantage into the halftime break after keeping the Wildcats out of the net off a corner kick and three shots.

The defensive strife continued into the second half. Michael Garrihy and the defense fought off the offensive pressure of the opponents to keep the Bulldogs' one-goal advantage intact. Edon Mehana's header shot to push the team ahead by two was saved by the opposing goalie, keeping the goal difference at one. In the 85th minute, the game saw a change when Bethel was able to find the game-tying goal. Neither team could find the game-winning goal in regulation, ending the game in a 1-1 tie. (A rule change went into effect for the 2022 season eliminating regular season overtimes.)

Up next for TWU (1-0-1) is another home contest, this time against #15 Dalton State College. The game is set for 4:00 p.m., at the TWU Athletic Complex.