MISENHEIMER, N.C. (Oct. 31,2026) — Fourth-deeded Pfeiffer outlasted fifth-seeded Methodist in a drama-filled USA South Tournament First Round match on Saturday afternoon, advancing with a 7-6 penalty shootout victory after the teams played to a 1-1 draw through 110 minutes at Lefko-Mills Field.

The match officially ended as a 1-1 tie, but the Falcons prevailed in the shootout after goalkeeper Seth Limbert stopped two Methodist attempts and Caden Bierman converted the decisive penalty.

Pfeiffer struck first in the 18th minute when Erick Campos-Marquez finished a setup from Wesley Hooker for his second goal of the season, giving the Falcons the 1-0 advantage.

The lead lasted less than a minute as Methodist answered at the 17:55 mark. Carson Stretz scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season off an assist from Garrett Panos, knotting the score at 1-1.

The Falcons controlled much of the attack, holding a 19-17 edge in shots and an 8-6 advantage in corner kicks. Hooker fired five shots, while Drew Garro added three and Aiden Dualan contributed two. Barrett Owens nearly put Pfeiffer ahead in the first half, but his penalty kick in the 35th minute was saved by Trey Gohr.

Pfeiffer faced a major challenge late in regulation when defender Alex Michael was issued his second yellow card in the 87th minute, forcing the Falcons to play the remainder of regulation and both overtime periods a man down. Despite the disadvantage, the Falcons held firm defensively behind Limbert, who finished with five saves.

Neither team could find a winner in overtime. Jonathan Hansen rattled the crossbar early in the first extra period, while Limbert came up with a key save on a shot by Stretz to keep the match level.

The shootout featured plenty of drama. Limbert denied Josh Mott on Methodist's opening attempt, and the Falcons converted four straight kicks through Campos-Marquez, Garro, Seydou Kone, and Owens. After Adrian Carmona's attempt was saved, Pfeiffer stayed alive when Antonio Rubino Zapata missed for Methodist. Bierman then buried the winning penalty to send the Falcons through.

Campos-Marquez finished with a goal and a successful penalty kick, while Hooker recorded the assist on Pfeiffer's lone goal. Limbert's performance in goal proved crucial as the Falcons survived the late red card and secured the shootout victory.