Photo: KWC Athletics

CEDARVILLE, OH — Kentucky Wesleyan men’s soccer opened its postseason with a comeback victory Saturday, scoring twice in a span of just over two minutes to defeat No. 4 seed Cedarville 2-1 in the opening round of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament.

The No. 5-seeded Panthers (9-4-4) found themselves trailing 1-0 early in the second half after Cedarville’s Chris Guyot scored in the 54th minute.

Kentucky Wesleyan responded with a decisive stretch of offense that quickly changed the match.

Carter Ford brought the Panthers level in the 60th minute, finishing from the top of the 18-yard box after a Cedarville goalkeeper punch-out. Just 2 minutes and 26 seconds later, Mattie McNally completed the comeback, finding the back of the net from six yards out on a rebound to give Kentucky Wesleyan a 2-1 advantage.

Jersey Lopez assisted on both goals as the Panthers turned a second-half deficit into a lead they would not surrender.

With Cedarville pushing for an equalizer, Kentucky Wesleyan’s defense held firm over the final 28 minutes. Goalkeeper Matteo Graniero made four saves, including several important stops in the closing stages, to help preserve the road victory.

Ford and McNally each finished with a goal, while Lopez recorded two assists. Kentucky Wesleyan finished with five shots, four on target, while Cedarville recorded five shots on target.

The victory sends the Panthers into the G-MAC Tournament semifinals and keeps their postseason championship hopes alive.

NEXT UP
Kentucky Wesleyan travels to Painesville, Ohio, on Thursday, November 5, to face No. 1 seed and tournament host Lake Erie. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.