On Saturday, September 17th, the NC Wesleyan Men's Soccer Team hosted the Averett Cougars for a first-time non-conference matchup. Averett University has recently entered the Old Dominion Academic Conference (ODAC) in the Fall of 2023; they were previously a member of the USA South Conference. The two teams kicked off on Scalf Field at 4:00pm, where they entered the match as 2-4-2 (Averett) and 3-5-1 (NC Wesleyan).  

Averett would start the scoring with an unassisted goal by Alexander Soerenson in the first minute and a half. It wouldn't be until forty minutes later a shot on goal by NC Wesleyan's Evann Vincenti resulted in a goal. Not long after, Averett scored on their own goal which would result in the two teams entering halftime with the score 2-1 in the Bishops' favor.  

Returning to the field for the second half, the next and final goal scored for the Battling Bishops would be by Justo Esponda in the 77th minute of the match. Averett would make an attempt to tie the game after an unassisted goal by Orion Mills, but NC Wesleyan would hold onto the lead to the end. Goalie Fred Rogers ended the game with three saves. The Bishops also outshot the Cougars 12-6.  

The Bishops return to Scalf Field on Saturday, September 24th when they take on the Regent Royals from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kickoff is set for 4:30pm.