HARRISONBURG, Va. – Duking it out with a potential ODAC playoff spot on the line, Averett University men's soccer saw its chances wane on Wednesday night, falling late at Eastern Mennonite University 3-1 to end the Cougars' 2025 season.
A stalemate defined the first half, although Averett (4-8-4, 2-6-1 ODAC) did outshoot Eastern Mennonite (7-6-5, 2-5-2 ODAC) 6-4, with one more on goal than the Royals.
Down to potentially the last 45 minutes of the fall season for either team in action, fans at EMU Turf Field were treated to an enthralling second period. Locked in through over 70 minutes, the Cougars had their prayers answered with a booming strike from midfielder
Hudson Bradley, as
Fernando Pintos found the open senior in the penalty box to launch the ball into the top right corner.
With Averett leading 1-0, all seem controlled until Eastern Mennonite came roaring back. Yan Cesar leveled the contest in the 82nd minute, then scored once more six minutes later to elevate the home team into the lead.
The Royals capped off the final third with an 87th minute score, as the result sealed the Cougars' fate, knocking them out of playoff contention.
Marek Hanscom led Averett in total shots with three, and goalkeeper
Anibal Lopez finished the game with four saves.
Averett men's soccer officially rounds out 2025 at 4-8-4, and 2-6-1 Old Dominion Athletic Conference play.
