WINTER PARK, Fla. (August 29, 2026) - Men's soccer improved to 2-0 on the young season with a gritty 2-1 victory over the Emory & Henry Wasps on Saturday.
After a weather delay of more than two hours pushed the start time to 8:05pm, both teams were more than ready to get on to the pitch and get physical. Fouls were being whistled left and right as the two teams let their pent-up aggression release. The Wasps were the first team to get a couple of looks, but
Kilian Vallant stymied the first two attempts on target.
After both coaches opted to make substitutions in hopes of sparking change, the Tars were gifted the first goal of the game. Following an Emory & Henry foul,
Jaden Splunge delivered a free kick from near the sideline. The Wasps #4 Mimbele rose above everyone in the box and put his head on the cross; however, it deflected into the far corner of the goal, giving the Tars the advantage.
Both teams were able to put at least one more shot on goal in the half, but the keepers for both sides were up to the task, leading to a 1-0 lead at half.
In the 60th minute, Rollins was able to extend their lead. After a turnover from the Tars in the Wasps zone,
Finlay Prain stole the ball back and worked towards the 18-yard box. With a powerful boot, he blasted a shot past the keeper for his second goal of the season.
Emory & Henry made it interesting in the 75th minute when Titouan Itier, who had subbed in just minutes prior, absolutely boomed a shot from about 25 yards out, catching the left post to cut the lead in half.
From there, the Wasps were on the attack for the final fifteen minutes, but the Rollins defense was stout, shutting down each and every attempt. And there were plenty of them ... Emory & Henry had twelve corner kicks compared to the Tars' one.
Rollins held on for the 2-1 win thanks to a monumental effort from Vallant, who ended the day with four saves and overall fantastic play.
Next up for the Tars is a third straight home match. This time, they will welcome #15 Flagler to Cahal;-Sandspur Field for an intra-Florida matchup of ranked teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
