Gudjonsson's 89th-minute equalizer and Newman's outstanding goalkeeping performance highlight Rams' season finale.
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (October 31, 2026) – The Bluefield University men's soccer team closed out its 2026 season in dramatic fashion Saturday afternoon, battling Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent Tennessee Wesleyan University to a 2-2 draw at the East River Soccer Complex. A late goal from
Oli Gudjonsson and an impressive performance in goal by
Canaan Newman helped the Rams earn a hard-fought result against the Bulldogs.
Tennessee Wesleyan wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Francesco Conti found the back of the net just 1:54 into the contest off an assist from Jake Fisher. Despite the early setback, Bluefield responded with determination.
In the 21st minute,
Sebastian Armijos delivered the equalizer for the Rams, bringing the score to 1-1. The goal provided a much-needed offensive spark for Bluefield, which had struggled to generate scoring opportunities in recent matches. Both teams entered halftime deadlocked at one goal apiece.
The Bulldogs regained the advantage early in the second half when Fisher scored in the 56th minute, putting Tennessee Wesleyan ahead 2-1. The visitors continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the remainder of the contest, forcing Bluefield's defense and goalkeeper
Canaan Newman to withstand a relentless attack.
Newman delivered one of the most impressive individual performances of the afternoon, recording 13 goalkeeper saves as Tennessee Wesleyan registered 26 shots, including 16 on goal. The Rams' defensive effort kept the match within reach despite being outshot by a considerable margin.
With time running out and the Rams facing a one-goal deficit, Bluefield produced one final moment of brilliance.
In the 89th minute,
Landon Murnahan connected with Gudjonsson, who finished the opportunity to level the match at 2-2 with just 1:12 remaining in regulation. The dramatic equalizer capped a resilient performance and ensured the Rams would finish their season with a positive result.
Tennessee Wesleyan continued to press in the closing seconds, but Newman turned away two additional attempts to preserve the draw.
Bluefield finished the afternoon with four shots, three of which were on target, converting two of those opportunities into goals. Armijos and Gudjonsson accounted for the Rams' scoring, while Murnahan contributed the assist on the game-tying goal.
For Tennessee Wesleyan, Fisher led the offensive attack with a goal and an assist, while Conti added the Bulldogs' opening goal.
The draw moved Bluefield's final record to 2-13-2 overall and 0-11-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference competition. Tennessee Wesleyan finished the contest with an 8-5-4 overall record and a 6-3-3 conference mark.
Although the Rams endured a challenging 2026 campaign, Saturday's performance demonstrated the team's resilience and determination. After falling behind twice against a conference opponent, Bluefield refused to surrender, producing a memorable late equalizer to close the season.
The result also ended a seven-match scoring drought for the Rams, providing an encouraging conclusion to the season and something to build upon heading into the offseason.
For Bluefield, the afternoon was highlighted by Newman's outstanding play between the posts, timely finishing from Armijos and Gudjonsson, and a collective effort that allowed the Rams to finish their campaign on a competitive note.
Final Score: Bluefield University 2, Tennessee Wesleyan 2
Bluefield Scoring:
Sebastian Armijos (21'),
Oli Gudjonsson (89')
Bluefield Assist:
Landon Murnahan
Goalkeeper:
Canaan Newman – 13 saves
