DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's soccer team dropped a tight-contested 2-1 decision to N.C. Wesleyan College on Saturday afternoon for homecoming in its 2021 USA South Conference opener.

Averett (4-6, 0-1 USA South) took a 1-0 advantage early in the second half following an opening half stalemate when senior Johnny Kummander collected a pass off a double assist by senior Lluc Pou who played a free kick into the box that freshman Anton Lindberg tipped to the foot of Kummander.

N.C. Wesleyan (3-5-2, 1-0 USA South) evened the match a 1-1 following an own goal in the 58th minute before netting the eventual game winning in the 67th minute.

The Battling Bishops nearly went up 3-1 on the Cougars three minutes later, but sophomore Tyler Yates made an impressive penalty kick save to keep Averett with 2-1.

Saturday's conference opener proved to be an intense showdown as both team accounted for 20 fouls and four yellow cards, while N.C. Wesleyan managed to account for a 22-7 shot advantage over the Cougars.

Averett returns back to action on Tuesday when it host Pfeiffer University at 6 p.m. on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.