ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University men's soccer team lost a heartbreaking 2-1 match on Saturday (Oct. 28) in the final minute to the No.12 nationally ranked Wingate Bulldogs.
The Trojans entered the match coming off a 1-0 win on the road at Carson-Newman on Wednesday (Oct. 25) and a 6-4-3 record on the season. Meanwhile, Wingate entered at 8-3-2 most recently defeating Tusculum 2-1 a weekend ago, earning themselves a 12th overall ranking in the United Soccer Coaches national weekly poll.
In the 13th minute, Anderson was able to get on the scoreboard courtesy of a penalty kick. Julian Caro Sepulveda took advantage of the opportunity by powering the ball into the left corner of the net for his fourth score of the season. Wingate answered back quickly in the 27th minute when Pedro Santos delivered a great through ball to Kosi Mafela to equalize the match, as the score remained 1-1 heading into halftime.
Franco Antoniolli Funes had a great second half for the Trojans, picking up three of his four saves on the night in the last 45 minutes of action. In the 89th minute, Wingate continued to apply pressure on the Anderson back line and was awarded a corner kick. Harry Bircumshaw took the set piece for the Bulldogs, and delivered a great ball to Pedro Santos who found the back of the net to win the game for Wingate 2-1 in the closing seconds.
Anderson will be back in action on Wednesday (Nov. 4) as they travel to face the Newberry Wolves. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m., with video and live stats available at autrojans.com.
