DANVILLE, Va. – Two goals in the first half paid dividends for the Averett University men's soccer team, as they fended off a last-minute gasp to defeat Greensboro College 2-1 on Wednesday night.
Averett (3-1-1) took the early lead in the 20th minute, when
Daniel Lilley sent in a shot off the bounce, from just outside the box into the top-right corner. The sophomore midfielder's goal marked his third in the past two contests, and a team-leading fourth of the season.
The Cougars tacked on another score not even five minutes later, as
Daniel Sierra scored his first goal in an Averett uniform. The freshman defender headed home a pinpointed cross from
Oliver Kousholt to double the home team's advantage.
Greensboro (0-4-1) found a spark as the second half opened, when Justin Murillo-Escoto booted in a shot from the middle of the penalty box in the 50th minute, cutting the Cougar's lead to one. Late pressure from the Pride forced Averett into a defensive stand in the closing minutes, but the back line held their own, and prevented a tying score.
The Cougar offense was in tune, totaling 18 shots, with 10 of those on target. Netminder
Tyler Yates made three saves on the night.
Averett wraps up their brief homestand, as visiting Methodist University comes to Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 15 for a 3 p.m. kickoff.
