by Sean Ditmore
Sports Information Intern
The Wayland men's soccer program is still searching for that elusive first victory following a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Howard Payne Friday evening. The Pioneers played energetically early on, but fell into a 2-0 hole in the first half following a converted Howard Payne penalty shot and never recovered.
Wayland remained competitive during the early going matching Howard Payne shot for shot and creating several opportunities to score, but HPU nicked the Pioneers for a goal in the 19th minute of the contest. Five minutes later, a penalty kick goal by the Jackets' Dennis Benitez seeemd to take the air out of the Pioneers.
The Jackets would add on three more goals during the second half. Two by senior Malcolm Wentworth and one by sophomore Shane Cazad.
The aggressiveness of the Howard Payne side might well be reflected in the 13 offsides calls against them during the game and also in the 12 fouls they had called against them. The Pioneers were called for only two fouls and were not once called offsides. The Jackets outshot the Pioneers, 27-16.
Freshman Bryan Merlos led WBU with two shots on goal. Another freshman, Cole Stutz, recorded three shots, as did senior T.J. Nolen.
The Wayland men will play their next match at Hilliard Field on Tuesday against Eastern New Mexico University.
