LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Randolph men's soccer team began its 2025 season at home on Friday evening as it hosted Marymount University. The WildCats took an early lead in the first half but the Saints netted the equalizer in the second half as the two teams played to a 1-1 tie.
Randolph scored first in the 12th minute. Marcus Cortes (Annandale, Va./Annandale HS) was able to beat a Saint defender and push a shot past a diving Bayron Banegas that trickled into the back of the net to put the 'Cats on top 1-0. Randolph dominated Marymount 7-1 in total shots in the first period.
The WildCats held on to their lead into halftime and through the opening minutes of the second period. In the 49th minute, Randolph keeper Dominic Cortes (Annandale, Va./Annandale HS) fouled Marymount's Erick Shoetter-Rojas in the penalty area. Shoetter-Rojas converted on the penalty kick to knot the score up at 1-1.
It was a rough game from there on out as the teams totaled six yellow cards. Randolph was held without a shot on frame for the entire second half while Dominic Cortes stopped four shots on goal for the WildCats.
Overall, Randolph led 10-8 in total shots but the Saints held a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. Dominic Cortes finished with five saves in the game while Banegas had three saves.
The WildCats return the pitch tomorrow night as they host Southern Virginia. Game time will be at 7:00 p.m.
