DANVILLE, Va. — Sophomore Jake Searcy and freshman Oscar Lara each scored their first collegiate goals to help lead Averett men's soccer to a 2-1 victory over John Wesley University on Wednesday night at Daly Field.
 
Lara's score in the 57th minute lifted Averett (7-10) to the thrilling victory. With the game knotted at 1-1, sophomore David Cuperman took a ball from junior Kevin Watford and found Lara, who was making a run down the left side. Lara took the ball in stride and finished his shot on the far side for the game-winning goal.
 
The Cougars got their scoring started early when Searcy took a pass on the left side from Lara and drilled in his shot, putting John Wesley (3-5) behind just 13 minutes into the game.
 
However, the Lions only waited two minutes to answer back as Jose Perez received the ball in the box and hammered home his shot.
 
Wesley gained some offensive momentum late, picking up seven shots in the last 20 minutes, but Averett's defense held to preserve the victory.
 
Lara also added an assist to go with his goal.
 
Second-year goalkeeper Austin Bramhall picked up five saves between the sticks to earn his seventh win of the year.
 
Averett concludes the regular season on Saturday when it hosts William Peace at 2 p.m. on Daly Field. The Cougars will honor the playing careers of three seniors on Senior Day.