Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist Men's Soccer team opened the 2024 season with a non-conference win over Kansas Wesleyan Saturday afternoon at Davis Field. 

Central defeated the Coyotes by a score of 2-1 after a lengthy lightning delay pushed the game back by 90 mintues. 

The Eagles' first goal of the year came following a foul by the Coyotes inside the penalty box in the 25th minute. Guilherme Pereira was awarded the PK and converted, marking his and the Eagles' first goal of 2024. 

Just before halftime, Angelo Estello DeLanney netted a goal for CMU with the assist coming from Vincent Stegmiller in the 42nd minute. 

Central held a 2-0 lead at the halftime break despite the Coyotes holding a one shot advantage after the first 45. 

KWU cut the Eagles' lead to one following an unassisted goal in the 67th minute. However, Central was able to hang on for the 2-1 win after the full 90 minutes. 

Kansas Wesleyan outshot the Eagles, 12-9, including seven targets coming on goal compared to four for Central. 

Niccolo Cabras had an impressive showing in between the posts, as the sophomore goalkeeper made six saves against seven shot attempts. He also saved a penalty kick in the 18th minute to keep the Coyotes off the scoresheet in the first half. 

Central will next hit the road to face Central Baptist Monday, August 26th at 6:00 p.m. in Conway, Arkansas. 

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