October 9, 2006
Methodist Battles to Tie Nationally Ranked NC Wesleyan 2-2
Desmond Keane scores his second goal of the day to send the game into overtime

FAYETTEVILLE, NC- The Monarchs went into the match against North Carolina Wesleyan knowing they needed to come back from a disappointing loss to Christopher Newport on Saturday.  Methodist maintained their composure and took the Bishops to double overtime before ending in a 2-2 tie.  Methodist moves to 10-2-1 overall and 1-1-1 in the USA South Conference.  NC Wesleyan moves to 12-0-1 and 4-0-1 in the conference.

Junior Desmond Keane started things off with eight minutes remaining in the first half.  The NC Wesleyan had trouble clearing the ball out of their defensive third and Keane struck it near post
for the 1-0 lead.  With the Monarchs leading at halftime, NC Wesleyan came back in the second with their offense turned up.  On a misclear by the Monarch defense, Osumanu Otoo stole the ball and chipped the goalkeeper to tie the game nine minutes into the half.  Less than two minutes later the Monarchs were called for a foul on the outside edge of the 18-yard box and Lucas Fuentes drove the direct kick into the back of the net for the Bishops 2-1 lead.  NC Wesleyan continued to dominate leading 22-9 in shots and 11 to 2 on corner kicks, but the Monarchs weren't finished.  The Monarchs had a free kick of their own that bounced around before freshman David Giunti found Keane again at the top of the 18.  Keane had another solid shot to tie the game and send it into overtime.  Freshman Bret Brennan made a huge header save off the goal line and late in the game goalkeeper Jeremy Belnap had a diving save to prevent the game-winner.

Both teams had opportunities in the overtime periods, but no one scored to end the game in a 2-2 tie.  Methodist goalkeeper Jeremy Belnap finished with 4 saves while Bishops goalkeeper Renato Corte made 6 stops.

The Monarchs step out of conference play to host St. Mary's College of Maryland on Wednesday at 3:30 pm at the Monarch Soccerplex.