HARTSVILLE - The Newberry men's soccer team went up by two goals on the road at Coker University and kept the Cobras from netting the equalizer in the final minutes as the Wolves, down to 10 men in the second half, fought valiantly to prevail 2-1 in a critical South Atlantic Conference match.

Both Coker (7-4, 3-3 SAC) and Newberry (7-4, 4-3 SAC) fell in their last contest to conference opponents but entered the contest tied for fourth in the league standings, setting the importance for today's match. The Cobras had been ranked 15th in the United Soccer Coaches poll as recently as last week and entered the match ranked fourth in the Southeast Region and receiving votes in the national poll.

The Wolves were clinging on to a 1-0 lead after a fairly even first half of play when captain Eric Brody received his second yellow card of the game, leaving the Wolves with 10 men. Brody helped string passes through the midfield during the game, playing a major role. The intensity of the game changed as the Cobras tried to advance up the field and take advantage of being up one player. 

The game was decided in the 61st minute when sophomore Troy Paul gave Newberry the lead his team needed to win the match. The Charlotte, N.C native received a nifty ball in from Noah Vezzu and then chipped the keeper from over 50 yards out. Paul has been a dominant threat for the Wolves in the forward position, scoring his fourth goal of the season. The forward was able to control the ball in the final third and create opportunities for himself, taking three shots on the game while landing two on frame. 

The Cobras were able to capitalize as they were awarded a penalty kick inside the box in the 73rd minute. Christain Provenzano was able to execute in hopes of making a late comeback. The last minutes of the game were hectic as both teams traded possession but Newberry confidently secured the game.

Head coach Bryce Cooper was proud of the character his players showed against a competitive side. "Going down a player on the road put our backs to the wall a bit," Cooper remarked, "but our guys stepped up to make big plays. Three points on the road is always a good result. "

Coker was able to get an early opportunity as they won their first corner in the second minute of the game, hinting at an aggressive start, but the match remained even through the first half hour before the Wolves started to ramp up their play. Coker seemed to have more possession in the opening minutes but Newberry looked dangerous when they advanced up the field.

The Wolves' determination started to come through in the final minutes of the half when freshman Liam Marolany took a pass from Ibrahim Nadir and slotted one in the back of the net. The Paris, France native has brought pace to the Wolves offense throughout the year. 

Leroy Zeller played a major role for Newberry in net, recording six saves on the day. The Cobras had some opportunities in the first half as they out shot Newberry 13-11 throughout the contest, but Zeller kept the shots from going in.  

Cooper's team is now 4-3 in the conference with aims of making the conference tournament. The Wolves return to Smith Road Complex on Saturday, Oct. 19 for another conference match up against Mars Hill University. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m.