Box Score VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia - The Virginia Wesleyan men's soccer team defeated the Knights of Southern Virginia University 3-2 with an overtime Golden Goal from Michael Nocera in the 2021 season opener on Saturday, September 4, at Foster Field in Trinder Center in Virginia Beach, VA. 

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Virginia Wesleyan 3 - Southern Virginia 2 - OT
Records: Virginia Wesleyan 1-0-0 | Southern Virginia 0-1-0
Location: Foster Field | Virginia Beach, VA

FIRST HALF

• The Knights were aggressive early as they found the back of the net for the opening goal six minutes into the contest. 
• Neither team found another score the remainder of the first half despite the Marlins getting off 11 shots, four on frame, and the Knights had seven other shots, four on goal.

SECOND HALF

• After nearly 20 minutes of going back and forth up and down the field, the Marlins found an equalizing goal off the foot of Nate Mitchell.
• About 12 minutes later in the 77th minute, Southern Virginia took the lead again going ahead 2-1 with 23 minute remaining in regulation. 
• With just under six minutes to go in regulation, the Marlins knotted the match at two goals apiece as Matt Campbell connected with an Alex Moody pass to put the ball in the back of the net and forced an overtime period. 

OVERTIME

• Not even a full minute into overtime Virginia Wesleyan found the back of the net scoring the golden goal to win 3-2 over Southern Virginia.
• Michael Nocera scored off the cross from Nate Mitchell to clinch the Marlins victory. 

KEY STATS

• The Marlins out shot the Knights 30 to 19. 
• Nate Mitchell led with six shots while Alex Moody recorded five.
• Mitchell and Campbell both recorded their first collegiate career goals in the match. Nocera scored his second. 
• Griffin Potter picked up the win (W: 1-0) in goal playing all 90:53 giving up just two goals while making seven saves. 

UP NEXT
Virginia Wesleyan returns to action tomorrow Sunday, Sept. 5, when they head travel to Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA to take on the Knights of Neumann University at 1 PM.