Copyright 2015; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo by Eduardo Yepes.
NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University men's soccer team struggled to find the back of the net for the second game in a row, falling in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, 1-0, to Dominican on Saturday at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Chargers (6-9, 6-5 CACC) continue to have the Wildcats' (12-4, 9-2 CACC) number, as Saturday was the 10th win for the Chargers in 13 contests since the Wildcats joined the NCAA ranks for in the 2004.
The Wildcats out shot the Chargers, 6-4, in the first half with their best opportunity coming in the 26th minute. Adrian Tash began a barrage on the Dominican goal with a blast that hit the inside of the right post. The ball crossed the mouth of the goal but stayed out. Juan Bernal was at the far post to collected to the loose ball, but his shot was saved and knocked over the endline by Charger goalkeeper Steven Hegner.
Clifford Nwechefom had an opportunity moments before Tash hit the post, finding himself in on the keeper. But Hegner was able to close the gap and cut of the angle as Nwechefom tried to find the right shot. Hegner was able to jump on the ball to end the threat.
The Chargers gained the momentum to begin the second half, putting five of the first six shots on the board. The Chargers' sixth shot of the half proved to be the difference maker, as the deflected back found its way in the back of the net.
Dominican's Fernando Gutierrez's shot from atop the 18-yard box was first deflected by a Wildcats' defender and then spun its way up and over goalkeeper Frank Hall. Hall was able to get his fingertips on the ball, but not enough to get the ball over the crossbar.
Following the goal, the Wildcats out shot the Chargers, 5-1, but every chanced was either blocked before reaching Hegner, or saved. Lance Berry had a pair of free kick opportunities during the rush, but one sailed high and another was saved.
The Wildcats finished with a 14-11 shot advantage while also earning more corners, 7-4. Hall made six saves for the Wildcats Hegner recorded five saves in the win.
The Wildcats still need one point to be the outright CACC Regular Season Champion. The Wildcats have one game remaining prior to the upcoming CACC Tournament. The Wildcats head to Georgian Court on Wednesday to wrap up the regular season.
