Second-half surge lifts Tigers past Panthers

MITCHELL, S.D. – With Julian Mole (Canning, Buenos Aires) and Isaias Pio (Santa Cruz, Calif.) finding the back of the net in the closing moments of the game, the Dakota Wesleyan University men's soccer team secured its' first victory of the season against York College, 2-0 Tuesday at the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex in Mitchell.

 The Panthers (3-2) came out storming as they tallied five shots and two corner kicks in the opening 15 minutes. However, the DWU defense along with Matthew Campbell (Duluth, Minn.) kept York out of the net.

 As the first half went on, the Tigers (1-2-1) saw more scoring opportunities. Pio took a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box but missed high. With neither team capitalizing on their opportunities, the score remained tied at halftime.

 In the 72^nd minute, Mole was the recipient of a cross and headed the ball into the net. However, he was called offsides on the play and the goal was called back.

 Just six minutes later, Mole redeemed himself with a goal that was assisted by Pio, putting the Tigers up 1-0. Two minutes later, Pio found the back of the net to extend the lead to two goals and push the Tigers to victory.

 Pio finished with a goal, an assist and two shots, while Mole added a goal and two shots. Campbell tallied his first shutout of the season with six saves. 

 DWU takes on Upper Iowa University at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Fayette, Iowa.