NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind.—Two second half goals propelled the Transylvania University men's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the homestanding Manchester University Spartans. It was the first game of Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play for the Pioneers this season.

The Transy offense was aggressive and opportunistic in the match, generating shot after shot and creating good looks at the goal. Despite 11 shots in the first half, the Pioneers were turned away time and time again by the Spartan goalkeeper, sending them to the locker room empty handed and gridlocked in a 0-0 draw.

The second half was a much different story for the Pioneers, as they opened the period strongly. Midfielder Freddie Siegelman had a shot blocked just four minutes into the half, but midfielder Riley Calhoon capitalized on the rebound, driving a shot past the Manchester keeper and pushing Transy ahead 1-0.

The lead would not last long however, as the Spartans responded with a goal on the ensuing possession and drew the match even at one goal apiece.

Transylvania attacked heavily in the closing minutes of the game with a number of shot attempts, keeping the pressure on the back line of the Manchester lineup and ultimately turning the tide in their favor.

With time winding down, Manchester took a shot that was blocked by the Transylvania defense and sent out of the defensive area, starting the counter-attack for the Pioneers. Midfielder Tyler Joy-Brandon raced down the field, collected the ball and rocketed it off his foot and into the back of the net with less than two minutes to play in regulation. The goal would prove to be the game winner for the Pioneers.

Transy turned in another strong defense effort, capped by goalie Cody Waltrip. The back four for the Pioneers limited the Spartans to just five shots on goal, four of which were saved by Waltrip. Offensively, midfielder Jonathan Rase took eight shots in the contest to lead the Pioneers, followed by three shots from Joy-Brandon.

Transylvania (4-2-4, 1-0-0 HCAC) travels to Franklin College on Wednesday for their next match.