GREENVILLE, S.C. – Down late to the Bob Jones Bruins (2-5-1), junior forward Kade Smith netted two second-half goals in the span of two-and-a-half minutes to secure the Converse University men's soccer team (4-2, 2-0 Conference Carolinas) a 2-1 road victory over the Bruins on Tuesday night.

The Valkyries opened the game with an unassisted goal from freshman forward Jacob Bandel at the 15-minute mark in the match, giving Converse an early lead. Both teams found several opportunities to score in the final 30 minutes of the first half, but neither team was able to capitalize on the chances as Converse took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Just over halfway through the 59th minute, the Bruins scored the first of their two goals, tying the game at one goal each. Barely 80 seconds later, the Bruins took a 2-1 lead, putting Converse in a must-score situation with 30 minutes remaining.

With the Bruins quickly and unexpectedly taking an early-second-half lead, Smith took matters into his own hands, or rather under his own feet, netting goals in the 76th and 78th minutes, putting Converse back up by one goal almost as quickly as they found themselves in a deficit. Bandel assisted on both goals.

The Bruins managed to make two serious pushes to the goal in the final 10 minutes, but both times the shot hit the crossbar, saving the Valkyries from needing to score a fourth goal to win. Converse fended off these attacks and won 3-2.

Next Up:
The Valkyries head to Florence on Saturday, Sept. 27 as they look to write a new chapter in their short-but-storied history with the Francis Marion Patriots. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 P.M.

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