PULASKI, Tenn. - The University of Tennessee Southern men's soccer team opened the 2024 campaign with a 3-nil win over Tennessee Wesleyan at Grissom Pitch on Thursday.
In the first half, the Bulldogs started on the offensive launching two of their three first half shots in the early going. The Firehawks outshot the visitors from Athens 10-1 for the rest of the period playing to a nil-nil tie at the break. Manuel Silva and George Grice led the shot attack, but TWU keeper Leo Summer kept the UTS shots out of the twine.
In the final half, Rostand Essomba would net the game winner off a Mak Binder shot. UTS took the 1-nil lead in the 53rd minute. Just before the second half water break, Manuel Flores would best Summer of the Tayte Aldridge lag. In the final minute, Manuel Silva finished the Lorick Gustave cross to make it 3-nil.
Louis Hester got the start for the Firehawks recording the Firehawks lone save. Michael Anderson shared the clean sheet and earned his first win of the season.
SCORING RECAP
2nd half, 52:34: Rostand Essomba assisted by Mak Binder
2nd half, 68:38: Manuel Flores assisted by Tayte Aldridge
2nd half, 89:52: Manuel Silva assisted by Lorick Gustave
NEXT UP
The Firehawks host NCAA DII opponent Alabama Huntsville on August 24. The Chargers and Firehawks are set to clash at six p.m.
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