Winthrop University’s men’s soccer team earned a 1-1 draw against Gardner-Webb on Saturday evening at Eagle Field in Rock Hill during Big South Conference action.
The Eagles (5-8-3, 2-3-1 Big South) took the lead in the 51st minute when Teo Jelaca scored his fourth goal of the season on a free kick. After Logan Story drew a foul approximately 22 yards from goal, Jelaca curled the shot into the upper-right corner to put Winthrop ahead.
Gardner-Webb (8-4-2, 4-1-1 Big South) responded in the 78th minute. Kyle Hofmann headed home a corner kick delivered by Luk Philipp Hohmann to even the score.
The teams went into halftime scoreless despite creating several scoring opportunities. Winthrop nearly took the lead in the 32nd minute when Jelaca fired a first-touch shot toward the left corner, but Gardner-Webb goalkeeper Oliver Weng tipped it wide.
Winthrop goalkeeper Kevin Christensen delivered a strong performance, matching his career high with eight saves.
Gardner-Webb finished with a 17-7 advantage in total shots and led 9-2 in shots on goal.
Jelaca has now scored in consecutive games for the Eagles, who continue their push toward the end of the regular season.
Winthrop will close its regular-season schedule Saturday, Oct. 31, with a road matchup against USC Upstate in Spartanburg. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Sign up here to receive the Tega Cay Sun "day" Spectator every Sunday morning with all the news from the week directly to your inbox
Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
