LEXINGTON, KY — Transylvania men's soccer captured the 2026 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship Saturday afternoon at Pat Deacon Stadium, defeating Earlham College 3-2 behind a two-goal performance from McKay Wheatley. The victory secured the Pioneers' automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament.
Transylvania established its offensive presence early, with Wheatley forcing a save from Earlham goalkeeper Ryland Wamsley in the 14th minute. Josh Carr followed with a shot on goal in the 20th minute before Stone Work tested Wamsley in the 22nd minute. The Pioneers broke through in the 23rd minute when Work found the back of the net off an assist from Wheatley to give Transylvania a 1-0 advantage.
The Pioneers continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, with Wheatley and Cole Varela each recording additional scoring attempts. Earlham generated an opportunity late in the half when Sirapob Tippayapaphanupap recorded a header on goal in the 43rd minute, but Ethan Drew made the save to preserve the lead. Transylvania entered halftime holding a 1-0 advantage.
Transylvania carried its offensive momentum into the second half, creating several opportunities to extend the lead. Gus Dickman forced a save from Wamsley in the 57th minute before Wheatley doubled the advantage in the 61st minute, scoring off an assist from Varela to make it 2-0.
Less than two minutes later, Wheatley struck again in the 63rd minute off another assist from Varela, extending the Pioneers' lead to 3-0. The two goals came just 94 seconds apart, giving Transylvania a commanding three-goal advantage with under 30 minutes remaining.
Earlham responded in the 74th minute when Rhoi Phulusa found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Quakers continued to apply pressure in the closing stages, generating several offensive opportunities. Markku Laukkanen added a second goal for Earlham in the 86th minute, bringing the Quakers within one at 3-2.
Transylvania maintained its advantage through the final minutes, with Work recording the Pioneers' final shot in the 90th minute to close out the 3-2 victory and secure the HCAC Tournament Championship.
Wheatley led the Transylvania offense with two goals and an assist, finishing with six shots, including three on goal. Work added a goal on four attempts, placing three on target, while Varela recorded two assists. Carr contributed three shots, while Dickman and Reece Heisel each added a shot on goal.
With the victory, Transylvania added the HCAC Tournament Championship to its 2026 regular season co-championship, completing a conference championship double. The Pioneers now turn their attention to the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament, where they will represent the HCAC on the national stage.
Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
