Converse University

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Sophomore Jacob Bandel and senior Kade Smith both netted two goals in the Converse University men's soccer team's (1-0-1) impressive 5-1 victory over the Tusculum University Pioneers on Saturday afternoon at Weisiger Stadium. Sophomore Owen Nero also netted a goal in the five-spot victory.

Freshman Thiago Ausland earned his second career start and first career victory on Saturday. Sophomore Paul Legai played just over 50 minutes of the contest. The Valkyries' defense held the Pioneers to just two shots on goal.

Bandel got the scoring started by single-handedly weaving through four Pioneer defenders and putting the ball past the keeper for the game's first goal just under 20 minutes into the game.

Just over eight minutes later, Bandel played a deflection off of a Pioneer defender, leaving him wide open to take a shot at goal, scoring his second goal of the game. It was the final goal of the first half with Converse entering the break up 2-0.

Just over two minutes into the second half, Tusculum scored their first and only goal of the game.

Smith got his scoring started late with sophomore Levi Bankirer putting a ball perfectly at his wide-open feet. Smith buried the ball into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

Just over three and a half minutes later, Nero headed the ball into the back of the net off of a corner kick from fellow sophomore Andy Alvarenga.

On the following kickoff, Tusculum misplayed the ball with Smith capitalizing with an easy steal and score just 15 seconds after Nero's goal.

The teams rode out the final 15 minutes of the game without another goal and Converse secured their first victory of the season, 5-1.

Next Up For the Valkyries:
Converse continues their homestand on Wednesday, Sept. 2, as they host the Wingate University Bulldogs. The match is set to begin at 7 P.M.

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