Belhaven University Athletics

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Belhaven erased a second-half deficit with goals from Zachary Howard and Diego Sarzalejo to knock off Rhodes, 2-1, Wednesday afternoon at Rhodes Soccer Field.

The win was Belhaven's fourth in a row and its first over Rhodes since 2014. The Blazers have climbed back to .500 at 4-4 after opening the season with four consecutive losses.

The teams played a scoreless opening half, with both goalkeepers turning away a pair of shots. Justin Ramirez stopped Matthew Sucato in the 20th minute and Luke Grant in the 34th, while Adrian Sanchez and CJ Koppeis put shots on frame for the Blazers.

Rhodes goalkeeper Henri Kettner denied Ciaran Colvin early in the second half before Vincent Stephens broke the tie at 53:01 to put the Lynx in front.

Belhaven did not trail for long.

Howard entered the match in the 59th minute and needed just over two minutes to deliver the equalizer. Colvin set up Howard at 60:52, pulling the Blazers even at 1-1.

Belhaven continued to push for the go-ahead goal. Graham Harris forced a save in the 64th minute, and Courtland Williams tested Kettner again in the 74th.

The breakthrough came at 81:12. Williams supplied the pass, and Sarzalejo finished the chance to give Belhaven its first lead of the afternoon. The goal was Sarzalejo's second in as many matches after scoring in Sunday's win at Hendrix.

Rhodes made one final charge in the closing minutes, but Ramirez stopped Ben Novello with 1:19 remaining to secure the Blazers' long-awaited win over the Lynx.

The match was as even statistically as it was on the field. Both teams finished with 11 shots and five corner kicks, while Belhaven held a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal. Seven different Blazers placed an attempt on frame.

Ramirez made five saves in the win. Howard and Sarzalejo scored for Belhaven, while Colvin and Williams recorded assists.

Belhaven has outscored its opponents, 18-4, during its four-match winning streak.

The Blazers return to Belhaven Bowl Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, to open CCS play against LaGrange. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

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