FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - The N.C. Wesleyan College men's soccer team dropped their season opener on the road Friday falling 4-0 to 2-time CAC champion Mary Washington (Va.) University. UMW was 14-1-5 last season.
In the first half, neither team could seem to find a rhythm on the offensive side of the ball. Just three total shots on target occurred for the two teams. The Battling Bishops had the first real chance of the evening as a Bishop shot slipped by the Eagles' defense, but was missed wide.
Sophomore keeper Tobias Borzel then made two key saves in the first half to keep the Bishops scoreless at the break as UMW led in shots 6-4. The Eagles then broke through for the first goal of the match just a minute into the second half before adding two more in the 69th and 70th minutes to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
UMW ended up outshooting the Bishops 19-11 throughout the game while Borzel made 4 saves on goal. Midfielder Matteo Costa, defender Joseph Brooks, and forwards Lorenzo Cocchia and Baboucarr Njie each led with two shots apiece.
The Bishops will finish up the Mary Washington Classic with a 2:30 game on Saturday vs. Hampden-Sydney (Va.) (0-1).