Sarr nets gamewinner, Battling Bishops take down Cougars 4-2

Rocky Mount, NC - In Saturday's USA South men's soccer action, the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan took down Averett University by a 4-2 score at Scalf Field. Sophomore Ousman Sarr (pictured) netted what proved to be the eventual gamewinner in the 37th minute to help NCWC even its season record at 6-6 overall. The Bishops have now won three of their last four matches, and more importantly, improve to 2-1 in USAC play.

Averett (7-5-1, 2-2 USAC) took an early 1-0 lead when Tuuka Myyra booted home a successful penalty kick just 3:45 into the match. The rest of the first half, however, was dominated by Wesleyan as the Bishops proceeded to reel off four unanswered goals and out-shot the Cougars 14-4 in the period.

Senior Robert Ivanovich got the rally started with a one-timer at the 6:58 mark off a deflected Sarr shot and touch by freshman Michael Muhseler.  Muhseler later tallied a score of his own when his shot from Javier Castrillo found the back of the net.

Sarr made it 3-1 when he blasted home a free kick in the 37th minute, while Irvin Herrera gave NCWC a 4-1 halftime advantage with his 20-yard score just before the break.

Averett brought pressure in the second half, and Timi Heikkonen's header off of a Myyra corner kick in the 61st minute cut Wesleyan's lead in half at 4-2. Unfortunately for the Cougars, it would not be enough as NCWC keeper Philipp Uttikal's four saves preserved the Bishop victory.

Uttikal earned the win in goal, while AU's Nate Barker suffered the loss. Barker and Justin Duksis combined for five saves on the day.  Wesleyan finished the match with a 22-11 edge in shots and 11-1 advantage in corners.

The Bishops take a break from league action on Tuesday when they host St. Mary's College of Maryland. Game time is slated for 4:00 p.m. at Scalf Field.

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