PULASKI, Tenn. – Three different Firehawks found the back of the net as the UT Southern men's soccer team opened the 2026 season with a 3-2 victory over Tennessee Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon at Grissom Pitch.
UT Southern improved to 1-0 on the season with goals from Lorick Gustave, Paolo Perez, and David Danquah.
The Firehawks broke through in the 39th minute when Gustave capitalized on a defensive mistake, winning possession inside the box before finishing for the opening goal and a 1-0 halftime advantage.
UT Southern wasted little time extending its lead after the break. Less than four minutes into the second half, Tyrell Inniss forced a save that bounced directly to Perez, who buried the rebound to make it 2-0. Inniss was credited with the assist on the play.
The Firehawks continued to apply pressure and pushed the advantage to 3-0 in the 68th minute when Danquah intercepted a pass and lofted a shot over the goalkeeper from distance for his first goal of the season.
Tennessee Wesleyan mounted a late rally with two goals in the final 18 minutes, but the Firehawks held firm down the stretch to secure the season-opening victory.
UT Southern finished with a 15-11 advantage in shots and held a 7-3 edge in shots on goal. The Firehawks also earned all five corner kicks in the contest.
Danquah paced the attack with four shots and two shots on goal, while Gustave, Perez, and Danquah each netted their first goals of the campaign. Inniss added an assist, and goalkeeper William McGinn earned the victory in his Firehawk debut.
By the Numbers
- Goals: Lorick Gustave (38'), Paolo Perez (49'), David Danquah (68')
- Assist: Tyrell Inniss (1)
- Shots: UT Southern 15, Tennessee Wesleyan 11
- Shots on Goal: UT Southern 7, Tennessee Wesleyan 3
- Corner Kicks: UT Southern 5, Tennessee Wesleyan 0
- Attendance: 198
Up Next
UT Southern returns to Grissom Pitch on Friday, Aug. 28, when the Firehawks host Bryan College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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