SURPRISE, Ariz. – The 2022 season kicked off for Wayland Baptist men's soccer on Thursday with the Pioneers holding their own against the 10
th-ranked team in the NAIA. Ottawa (Ariz.) scored once in each half and wound up posting a 2-0 victory.
The Spirit (2-0) first got on the board with 1:36 left before halftime. They followed it up with their second goal just over 10 minutes into the second half.
Wayland was credited with 10 shots, three by
Bryan Alfaro and two by
Leonardo Amaral. Alfaro,
Owen Thomas and
Angel Rivas all had shots on-goal. The Spirit took 13 shots, four of which were on-target.
First-year Pioneer Adriano Coppolechia recorded two saves as WBU's keeper.
The Pioneers take Friday off before their second match of the season at noon (Central) Saturday against Arizona Christian in Glendale. The Firestorm won their season-opener last week over Park-Gilbert (Ariz.), 2-1.
