Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of the team's seniors with head coach Nick Papanicolas, taken by James Jones.
NEWARK, Del. - - Missed opportunities harmed the Wilmington University men's soccer team as it dropped a 1-0 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference decision to Nyack on Senior Day on Saturday at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Wildcats (10-4-1, 6-3-1 CACC) outshot the Warriors (7-8, 6-5 CACC), 16-5, for the match, including an 11-2 advantage in the first half, but couldn't find the back of the net. Of the two first half shots for the Warriors, the visitors were able to get on the scoreboard, proving to be the lone mark of the game.
Juan Bernal had a free shot at the goal in the 15th minute, but a sprawling Wiktor Lasota saved his shot from 19 yards out. Fredrik Bentdal put a shot on frame in the 32nd minute following a great play from Jamie Burridge, but his left footed shot to the far post was also saved.
The Warriors were able to capitalize one their one opportunity in the first half, using a long throw-in to get the ball into the penalty box. A clearing header by the Wilmington defense was blocked and the ball bounced right to Finn Reese who headed it home from in close for the 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute.
The Wildcats came right back and had another pair of chances, but Burridge's shot form 12 yards out was blocked before Juan Bernal's rebound shot went wide.
It was more of the same for the Wildcats in the second half, as Sam Jester had back-to-back chances in the 83rd minute. Lasota saved jester's initial shot in the box with the rebound trickling wide of the goal frame.
Daniel Loyo had the final chance to tie the match for the Wildcats in the 89th minute, getting his head on the end of a long ball from the defensive line. But his header from 10 yards out went right into Lasota to secure the shutout victory.
Jester, Bernal, and Loyo all finished with three shots in the match with Jester putting two on frame. Wilmington netminder Kenny Caballero made one save while Lasota made seven stops for the win.
The Wildcats slip to fourth place in the CACC standings with two conference matches remaining. They first head down the road to the Kirkwood Soccer Club to take on crosstown rival Goldey-Beacom on Tuesday afternoon. Opening whistle is set for 3:30 p.m.
