SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University men's soccer team opened up NCAC play on Tuesday night as they traveled to face Wittenberg. Senior midfielder/forward Tristan Ruiz de Somocurcio scored twice in one game for the second time this season to lead the Bishops past the Tigers, 3-2.

The Battling Bishops extend their undefeated streak to five games with four wins and one tie, now at an overall record of 5-2-4 and 1-0-0 in the NCAC. Wittenberg is now 7-2-3 overall and 0-2-0 in conference play.

It was a fairly quiet first half with the two sides combining for just six scoring chances, two of those coming from OWU. However, Ohio Wesleyan would be the first to break onto the scoreboard as Ruiz de Somocurio scored the second of those two chances in the 28th minute to give the Bishops a 1-0 lead that they would take into halftime.

Callum Wiggins got the second half started fast as he put the Battling Bishops up 2-0 in the 54th minute thanks to an assist from Alex Bucher. Wittenberg did crawl back into the game with a goal in the 56th minute, but this was quickly canceled out by Ruiz de Somocurcio's second of the night less than five minutes later in the 60th, making it a 3-1 game.

The Tigers eventually tacked on another in the 86th minute but it was too little too late as the Red and Black claimed a 3-2 victory.

THE NUMBERS
OWU was far more efficient on offense despite being outshot 17-8 overall and 8-5 in shots on goal.

Tristan Ruiz de Somocurcio tied his career-high two goals set earlier this season against Marietta, scoring both of his shot attempts. He has now expanded his single-season career high to five goals for a total of 10 points.

Callum Wiggins scored his second of the year on his only shot of the night. The freshman defender now has two goals and one assist for a total of five points this season.

Alex Bucher recorded his first assist of the season.

Others on the attack were Brady Catanzarite (1 SH, 1 SOG), Rowan Kriebel (1 SH, 1 SOG), Mitchell Cosler (1 SH), and Ryan Betts (1 SH).

UP NEXT
The Bishops are back at home on Saturday as they host No. 3 Denison. That game will be the ninth annual Luke's Game, honoring the life and legacy of former player Luke Gabbert.