SALISBURY, N.C. – João Magalhães tallied five points to lift the Catawba men's soccer team to a 3-1 victory over South Atlantic Conference foe Wingate on Saturday afternoon at Frock Field to remain unbeaten on the season.
Catawba (8-0-2, 4-0-1, SAC) was the aggressor, firing off 32 total shots and 11 on goal while holding Wingate (3-4-2, 0-3-2 SAC) to just nine shots, with only six on target. Eight different Catawba Indians recorded a shot on goal. Corner kicks were even at three apiece and seven total cards were handed out.
The blue and white created chances early by outshooting the Bulldogs 7-3, but Wingate would strike first with a 23rd-minute goal to build a 1-0 advantage and take the momentum.
In the 36th minute, a lightning delay paused play for about an hour. Following the break, the Catawba Indians came out as the more energetic team, attempting the match's next 17 shots, including 11 in the ensuing nine minutes.
Igor Gonçalves delivered a sharp crossing pass that Giovanni Massacesi made the touch on to Magalhães, who hammered it into the net to tie the match in the 37th minute.
Less than six minutes later, Catawba would be awarded a penalty kick following a Wingate handball in the box. Magalhães took the attempt and scored it with ease to put the hosts ahead 2-1 going into halftime.
Alex Payton scored his fifth goal of the season when he and Magalhães raced by the Bulldog defense as the pair connected to put it past the keeper and extend the lead in the 55th minute.
The assist marked Magalhães' 11th point in the last five matches, as the senior continued his hot streak offensively.
Héctor Vara shut down the Bulldogs the rest of the way, posting a season-high five saves on Saturday as Catawba earned three SAC points with the win and still sits in first place with 13 on the season.
The Catawba Indians will start a four-game road stretch, with the first stop coming on Wednesday, October 7th, when they head to Lenoir-Rhyne for a 5 p.m. scheduled kickoff.
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