BERMUDA RUN, N.C. – The Carolina University Men's Soccer team entered Wednesday night's non-conference matchup riding a five-game winning streak and carrying momentum from a perfect 2-0 start in Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) play. Despite overcoming an early two-goal deficit and taking a second-half lead, the Bruins suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Spartanburg Methodist College on Wednesday, October 21, at Truist Sports Park.
Carolina University entered the contest looking to extend its winning streak to six matches, but Spartanburg Methodist had other plans. The Pioneers struck early, with Anthoney Bedolla Menera finding the back of the net in the 15th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Just over five minutes later, Bedolla Menera struck again in the 20th minute, doubling Spartanburg Methodist's lead to 2-0.
Facing an early deficit, the Bruins responded with determination and offensive pressure. In the 36th minute, Sonny West sparked the comeback with his fourth goal of the season, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Carolina continued to push forward, and in the 41st minute, Mateusz Zaparuszewski delivered the equalizer off an assist from Will McCamley. The goal marked Zaparuszewski's third of the season and sent both teams into halftime tied at 2-2.
Carolina University carried that momentum into the second half, completing the comeback in the 57th minute when Kyryl Dmytryk found the back of the net off an assist from Djordy Lefevere. Dmytryk's ninth goal of the season gave the Bruins their first lead of the night at 3-2.
With Carolina holding a one-goal advantage entering the final 15 minutes, Spartanburg Methodist mounted a comeback of its own. Steve Ouattara leveled the contest at 3-3 in the 78th minute off an assist from Jordy Marshall. Less than two minutes later, Max Charleston scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 80th minute, putting the Pioneers ahead 4-3.
The Bruins continued battling in the closing minutes but were unable to find another equalizer, bringing their five-game winning streak to an end.
Offensively, Carolina University finished with 18 shots, including seven on goal, while Spartanburg Methodist recorded 20 shots with seven on target. The Bruins held a 9-6 advantage in corner kicks. Kyryl Dmytryk led Carolina with five shots and one goal, while Will McCamley contributed four shots and an assist. Sonny West and Mateusz Zaparuszewski each added a goal, and goalkeeper Isaac Bunton recorded three saves.
Following the match, Head Coach Craig Golding reflected on his team's resilience and the importance of finishing games strong.
Proposed Quote – Head Coach Craig Golding:
"We showed tremendous character tonight to battle back from being down two goals and put ourselves in a position to win the match. Unfortunately, at this level, you have to be able to finish games, and we didn't do that tonight. We have been playing some really good soccer over the last several matches, and one result doesn't take away from the progress this group has made. We have to learn from this, stay together, and continue improving as we prepare for the challenges ahead."
With the loss, Carolina University moves to 11-3-1 overall while maintaining its undefeated 2-0 record in CAC conference play.
Up Next: Carolina University will look to bounce back on Wednesday, October 28, when the Bruins travel to Milligan University for a 7:00 p.m. non-conference matchup. The Bruins will look to regain their winning momentum as they continue their push toward postseason competition.
