Early Goals Extend Statesmen Winning Streak

William Penn battled Iowa Wesleyan on Saturday.

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s soccer team pushed its winning streak to four as it shut out Iowa Wesleyan 2-0 in non-conference play Saturday.

In a match that was delayed nearly two hours due to an officiating schedule mishap, the Statesmen (5-1) came out more prepared than their foe as they struck in the sixth minute.

Donny Mesina (Jr., Inglewood, Calif., Sports Management) launched one of his patented throw-ins into the box. It bounced around a bit, eventually landing at the feet of Kenedy Deviska (Fr., Haiti, Wellness and Recreation). The freshman collected the loose ball and got a piece of it. The attempt was stopped by the IWU keeper, but fortunately it rebounded back to Deviska who did not miss on his second chance and tallied his first collegiate goal.

Deviska obviously enjoyed scoring so much that he decided to double his pleasure at the 29:52 mark. Sloppy back-line play by the Tigers (2-4-1) resulted in a ball that Deviska was able to steal away from the keeper and he buried it in an open net.

Deviska and Eduardo Bonatto (So., Rio Grande, Brazil, Business Management) each recorded five shots as William Penn held a 24-4 edge in that department.

The win gives the program its first four-game winning streak since 2015. WPU is also 5-1 for the first time since 2002.

Miguel Barbosa (Jr., Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sport Management) notched two saves en route to his fourth shutout of the campaign.

“Another clean sheet and win for our team,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “We did the work in the first half and managed to get through the game. We go forward full of confidence and ready for the start of conference play next week. I would like to thank all of our fans for a great following today.”

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa next Wednesday to host Clarke in its Heart of America Athletic Conference opener at 7:30 p.m. The contest will also serve as Senior Night.