Pinheiro and SMC Seniors Tie Carolina on Senior Day, 2-2

Spartanburg, S.C. – Down 2-1 late in regulation, Spartanburg Methodist College senior Rodrigo Pinheiro delivered a storybook finish on Senior Day, heading home the equalizer in the 88th minute to cap an emotional afternoon that honored him and 10 fellow seniors.

SMC head coach Doug Smith adjusted his lineup to give all 10 seniors — along with freshman Tomas Vega — the starting nod. The Pioneers (4-7-2) came out aggressive, with their first three shots going wide, blocked, and saved before freshman Joaquin Gillum broke the deadlock with his second goal of the season, a pinpoint 18-yard free kick.

Carolina University (5-3-2) answered later in the first half when Will McCamley slipped past the SMC defense and beat goalkeeper Francesco Molinar for the equalizer. McCamley struck again in the 57th minute to put the visitors up 2-1.

Refusing to back down, the Pioneers rallied behind their seniors. In the 88th minute, Vega launched a brilliant 40-yard strike that sailed over Bruins defense to set up Pinheiro's header that went over the goalkeeper's head and into the upper right corner to tie the match. 

SMC outshot Carolina 13-8. Molinar recorded three saves, matching the total of Carolina goalkeeper Joshua Wilson.

Following the contest, SMC honored its 10 seniors — Francesco Molinar, Sasha Schneider, Moises Mancebo Roque, Ben Ohl, Brandon Serna, Colin Fleener, Rodrigo Pinheiro, Layton Cave, Ervin Kelly, and Josh Barksdale — for their dedication and leadership on and off the field.

The Pioneers close out their home schedule on Wednesday, October 22, when they host Columbia College at 3:30 p.m.at Nash Soccer Field. Last season, Columbia forfeited its home match, and the teams tied in their earlier meeting.