Pride get hot late and run away with 3-1 win over Iowa Wesleyan

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa - Wrapping up their brief non-conference slate on Sunday, the Clarke University men's soccer team was able to keep to their winning ways with a 3-1 win over Iowa Wesleyan University.

The Pride score three-straight goals after falling behind 1-0 in the second half as Luke Persenico put two more on the board with Kabasele Musengo notching the game-winning goal on their way to their third-straight victory to start the season.

After a 0-0 halftime that saw CU outshoot the Tigers 6-2 and earn four corner kicks to just one for IWU but nothing broke through for either side.

The breakthrough came from Iowa Wesleyan in the 57th minute as Franceshi Santorsola scored on an assist from Thomas Mullen as it looked as though the Tigers might be able to steal one despite having the ball less frequently than Clarke.

Luck seemed to continue to be not on the side of the Pride as a penalty kick was earned but saved by IWU keeper Alvaro Morera to keep the score at 1-0. Fortunately for CU, the game did not come down to luck as they would answer with a second penalty kick opportunity, this time buried by Persenico to tie the game at 1-1 in the 67th minute.

Less than nine minutes later, Musengo would break that tie in the 75th minute off of an assist from Jose Gomez and the lead would be extended with nine seconds to go in the game as Persenico curled a left-footed shot around Morera for the final goal of the game.

Clarke men's soccer will now prepare for Heart of America Athletic Conference action as they will host Mount Mercy University to kick Heart play off on Sept. 13 scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. CT kickoff against the Mustangs.