Deron Joe’s Blast Gives Wilmington Men’s Soccer a 2-1 Victory over Bridgeport

Deron Joe’s Blast Gives Wilmington Men’s Soccer a 2-1 Victory over Bridgeport

Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Joe taken by Brandy Tronconi.

Press release written by Sara LeBrun.

NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington men's soccer team came out with a victory, 2-1, over the University of Bridgeport on Tuesday afternoon at the WU Complex.

The game-winning goal came in the second half in the 81st minute off the foot of Deron Joe with an assist from Lorne Bickley. The Wildcats held composure in the last 10 minutes of the game to bring their record to 7-2 overall with the nonconference win.

During the first half, the Wildcats made the first move with a corner kick opportunity by senior Juan Bernal. Classmate Jamie Burridge made a run to the near post and was able to finish with a header to the far post. It was his fourth goal of the season.

But the lead didn't last long, as Bridgeport (0-8) answered back within four minutes to bring the first half to a 1-1 tie. With a bouncing ball in the box, the Wildcats' defensive clear was slammed right into the Purple Knight's Jake Atkinson and into the back of the goal.

Wilmington had the bulk of the possession during the game, finishing with a crushing 16-3 advantage in shots over Bridgeport, including an 8-0 advantage in the second half. But it wasn't until the eighth shot of the half that the Wildcats were able to find the back of the net. Bickley kept the ball alive in the box by keeping it away from the Purple Knight goalkeeper. Now on the endline, Bickley played a ball back into the field and found a charging Joe just into the box. Joe's blast was his third of the season and proved to be the game-winner.

Vinny Tasca recorded one save in goal for the Wildcats. The home team also earned more corners, 8-1, than the Knights.

The next match for the Wildcats will be against Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference leading Georgian Court University (4-1-1) tomorrow, Wednesday, at 3:30 p.m.