FORT WORTH, TX -- Wayland Baptist men's soccer kicked off Sooner Athletic Conference play in style Saturday afternoon, edging Texas Wesleyan 3-2 in a hard-fought battle at Martin Field.
After conceding the opening goal in the 24th minute, the Pioneers responded with poise and resilience. Senior midfielder
Francis Motsi stole the spotlight, scoring twice in a six-minute span to flip the match in Wayland's favor. Motsi's first strike came off a feed from
Dario Catalan in the 29th minute, before adding his second just moments later with an assist from
Alvaro Pineda.
Carrying a 2-1 lead into halftime, Wayland extended its advantage in the 67th minute when
Jamol Williams finished a set-up from Motsi for his team-leading eighth goal of the season. The Rams clawed back late, pulling within one on an 87th-minute goal, but the Pioneer defense, anchored by goalkeeper
Alex Neri and his five saves, held firm to secure the victory.
Wayland was efficient with its chances, putting nine of its 12 shots on frame. The back line absorbed heavy pressure in the second half as Texas Wesleyan piled up eight corner kicks, but the Pioneers' discipline and organization saw them through.
With the win, Wayland Baptist improves to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in SAC play, while Texas Wesleyan drops to 6-4, 0-1.
The Pioneers return to action at home on Tuesday, September 30
th in a massive match against #19 Mid-America Christian. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM.
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