SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Converse University used a fast start and a decisive four-minute burst after halftime to roll past Tusculum University 5-1 in non-conference men’s soccer Saturday at Hayden Abney Fulp Field at Weisiger Stadium.
The Valkyries (1-0-1) put the match in motion with two first-half goals from Jacob Bandel, but the Pioneers (0-1-0) responded early in the second half on a goal from Nicholas Slewion. Converse would pull away late by scoring three goals in just under four minutes.
Bandel opened the scoring in the 20th minute (19:46) and doubled the lead less than eight minutes later (27:52) to send the Valkyries into the break up 2-0.
Slewion finished in the 48th minute (47:01) in his collegiate debut off an assist from Luka Slankamenac to cut the deficit to 2-1 and briefly shift momentum. That response was short-lived as Converse flipped the game back in its favor with three goals in a span of 3:49 from Kade Smith at 71:28, Owen Nero at 75:02 and Smith again just 12 seconds after Nero’s tally.
Converse outshot Tusculum 17-11 while the Pioneers had an 8-6 edge in corner kicks. Tusculum was called for 13 fouls to 12 for Converse in the match.
Gavin Roux made three saves in goal for the Pioneers, while Thiago Ausland and Paul Legai split time for the Valkyries.
The Pioneers will be back in action on Saturday, September 5 at Lee, beginning at 7 p.m.
