Men’s Soccer Advances To Conference Carolinas Semifinals

For the second consecutive year, the Converse University men’s soccer team (11-4-3, 7-2-3 Conference Carolinas) reached the semifinals of the Conference Carolinas Men’s Soccer Championship. This year’s squad claimed their spot in the final four by defeating the Emmanuel University Lions (8-6-3, 6-3-3 Conference Carolinas) 2-1 Saturday at Weisiger Stadium.

Sophomore goalkeeper Tim Baerwalde recorded one save in the match as the Valkyries held the Lions to just three shots on goal in the entire game. Converse took 19 shots, 10 of which were on goal.

Converse initially trailed in the game, with Emmanuel scoring a goal 29 minutes into the first half. Emmanuel took eight shots in the first half, three on goal, while Converse took six, two on goal. Both teams recorded two saves in the half.

The Valkyries displayed resilience and teamwork, equalizing the game at 1-1 when junior forward Jaxon Keene found the net just three minutes into the second half. With 14 minutes remaining in the match, Converse took the lead at 2-1, thanks to junior forward Johannes Haden’s goal from a corner delivered by sophomore forward Guilherme Fontes.

Converse heads to Browns Summit, North Carolina, as they take on the top-seeded Francis Marion Patriots in the semifinals on Friday, November 10, 2023.