SALISBURY, N.C. – It's quickly becoming the Mitchell Honcoop show in Mossy Creek. The Dutchman now owns four of Carson-Newman's five goals on the season with a 73rd-minute penalty kick goal in what ended up being a draw with Catawba, 1-1.
Carson-Newman (0-2-2, 0-0-1 SAC) began SAC play in Salisbury on the final leg of a three-game road trip featuring two Eagles losses. Catawba (1-0-3, 0-0-1) collected its third draw of the season and opened league play with Carson-Newman Saturday night.
"A much better all-around performance tonight." Carson-Newman men's soccer head coach Stephen Lyons said. "Especially in the second half, we played some good stuff… Now a quick turnaround to play West Alabama"
Catawba began the game by dominating possession and tilting the field, outshooting C-N 13-3 in the first frame. However, only three of those shots were on goal for the Indians, while all three of the Eagles' shots were on net. Paul Csmarich had an opportunity in the 40th minute, but Catawba goalkeeper Zak Stiffler came up with the save.
Csmarich's chance was the final of the half for either side as both teams went to the locker room without a goal to speak of.
The Eagles turned the tides in the second half, outshooting the Indians 4-3. Only Catawba recorded a shot on goal, leading the category 2-0 in the second half.
With nothing done in the first 25 minutes of the half, Carson-Newman broke into the box and was fouled by Catawba keeper Stiffler. The referee awarded the Eagles a penalty kick, which sent Honcoop to the spot.
Honcoop stared down the keeper head-on before stutter-stepping to the ball's left, striking the ball with his right foot to the right of the net, past Stiffler, who was caught diving in the opposite direction.
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!!!! ⚽️
— Carson-Newman Athletics (@CN_Eagles) September 15, 2024
Mitchell Honcoop scores his fourth of the season off a penalty kick to give the Eagles the advantage! ��
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It was Honcoop's second penalty kick goal of the season after scoring one against Trevecca Nazarene in the season opener.
With just 17 minutes for an equalizer, Catawba pushed on the accelerator, and 13 minutes later, the Indians found their answer. Baut Vecchi-Ramello battled past Carson-Newman keeper Paul Moser, booting in a loose ball to find the equalizer and Vecchi-Ramello's second tally of the season.
Only one more shot would find its way on target as Catawba's Jacobo Slaughter put a ball on goal that was corralled by Moser.
It was a chippy game from both sides as Carson-Newman was booked five times, all on yellow cards in regulation, while Catawba was booked twice, with two yellows appearing after the final whistle.
Paul Moser recorded four saves earning his first draw decision of the season, while Stiffler made three saves for Catawba in his third draw of the year. Catawba narrowly edged C-N in corner kicks, 5-4.
Carson-Newman is back on the field as it returns home to McCown Field for a non-conference match against West Alabama on Monday evening. The Eagles and Tigers have met twice in the last two seasons, with Carson-Newman winning in both meetings. The match is set for a 5:00 p.m. start and will be streamed via FloSports ($). Fans can also follow along to @CN_Eagles on X (Twitter) and Instagram for in-game updates.
