November 4, 2005
Monarchs’ season concludes with 1-0 defeat at N.C. Wesleyan in USA South semifinals

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – The 2005 men’s soccer season came to an end for the Methodist Monarchs on Friday as they dropped a 1-0 decision at North Carolina Wesleyan in the semifinals of the 2005 USA South Athletic Conference Tournament. The defeat concludes the Monarch season at 7-12-1 overall.

In a game played close to the vest defensively, North Carolina Wesleyan (15-4) scored the game’s lone goal early. Salvador Benitez scored the goal in the eighth minute off an assist by Phillipp Lyding. From there, both defenses stood strong.

Methodist had a tremendous opportunity to tie the game in the 84th minute. The Monarchs’ Kevin Gray nailed a tremendous header that appeared to be the tying goal, but North Carolina Wesleyan goalkeeper Jeff Johnson made a last-second save out of bounds. That forced at Methodist corner kick that North Carolina Wesleyan cleared out successfully.

Methodist goalkeeper Jeremy Belnap recorded eight saves for the Monarchs, while Johnson recorded two for the Bishops.