Wesleyan soccer captures second straight Classic title

Rocky Mount, NC - For the second consecutive year, the North Carolina Wesleyan men's soccer team has won the NCWC Fall Classic.  The Bishops did so with a 3-0 victory over Bridgewater College on Monday afternoon to complete a two-day sweep.  Villa Julie, who defeated Hood College 3-1 earlier in the day, also went 2-0 in the tournament, but the Bishops were awarded the trophy due to goal differential.  Ernesto Marquez score two goals for Wesleyan, including the eventual gamewinner.

Coming off an 8-0 win on Sunday, Wesleyan struggled to find offense early in the game thanks to a great defensive effort by the Eagles.  Marquez finally broke the 0-0 tie just minutes before halftime with an unassisted 18-yard blast that found the back of the net at the 42:01 mark.  The Bishops would take the 1-0 lead into the break.

Marquez struck again with his third goal of the season in the 67th minute.  Jason Botanni was credited with the assist after delivering a beautiful feed from the back line.  Wesleyan added its final goal just five minutes later when Justin Thompson found Lucas Fuentes in the box.

Freshman goalie Renato Corte earned his second win and shutout after facing six shots and recording two saves.  BC goalie Mitch Hamersly made six saves as the Bishops got off 20 shots.

Wesleyan returns to action on Wednesday when the Bishops host Randolph-Macon College.  Game time is slated for 5:00 p.m. at Scalf Field.