DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's soccer team kicked off its 2024 season with a thrilling 2-1 win over William Peace University on Friday night on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
Freshman
Leandre Tyssandier scored the decisive goal in the Cougars' victory. In what seemed to be a simple throw in by the home team in the 74th minute ended up on the feet of the midfielder from France, who tapped the loose ball into the net to elevate Averett (1-0-0) to a 2-1 lead.
William Peace (0-1-0) took a 1-0 lead early off a free kick as Jorge Lemus chipped a long shot past the keeper for the opening goal in the 29th minute. Averett had its chances, but finally capitalized in the 60th minute. A long shot off the cross bar by senior
Elias Lehmann was pounced on by junior
Daniel Lilley at the far post, who knocked the ball through to knot the contest at 1-1.
Both teams were tied in total shots with 15, but the Pacers had more shots on target by one, 6-5.
Graduate student goalkeeper
Tyler Yates made five saves while only giving up the singular goal.
With the win, Averett snapped a six-match winless streak against William Peace dating back to 2021.
Next up, the Cougars make their way down to Durham, North Carolina, for a matchup with Division I Duke University, which is receiving votes in the national poll and was ranked last week. Kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 1, is set for 2 p.m., and the game can be viewed on ACCNX.
