Bears Defeat Tennessee Wesleyan 2-1

The Bears took to the road to face a tough conference opponent in Tennessee Wesleyan, a squad who had received votes in the latest NAIA poll. Both teams did have a loss in their conference records, each to the same squad. With that in mind, this match proved crucial for the two seemingly evenly matched squads who were hungry for a win and did not want to take two losses this early in conference play. 

The first half was closely contested between the two teams. The Bears were able to grab the first lead with a goal from Frederico Divino in the thirty-first minute. The initial shot was by Joao Costa, but TWU GK was able to save the attempt, and Divino followed behind to put the ball in the back of the net off of the deflection. Unfortunately the lead would only last until a goal from TWU in the fortieth minute. The game would remain a 1-1 tie going into halftime. 

The Bears seemed to be in more control of the match in the second half. Both teams were taking shots, but GK Evan Gaffney for the Bears was able to save all threatening shots on goal and would not allow a goal in the second half. The Bears would take the lead in the sixty-fourth minute. Due to the space created from movement by Costa, Giovanni Girauldo played a brilliant through ball splitting the center backs and finding Costa who was able to sneak the ball under the GK for TWU off of one touch. The Bears held on to their lead for the rest of the match, securing their second win in conference play and their fourth against an opponent who currently was receiving votes in the latest national poll. 

"It was a fantastic win for us! Every single player played their part in that victory and we couldn't be happier with our performance." said Coach Rob Miller. Miller went on to say how he was happy to beat a team who was receiving national attention and to see great performances from his players. In regards to the team's upcoming schedule he said, "We take each game at a time and we look on to a very good Faulkner team that we prepare for now." The Bears will play Faulkner at home on Saturday September 30th at 4pm.