Second Half Comeback Stopped Short as Caldwell Takes 2-1 Decision over Wilmington Men’s Soccer

NEWARK, Del. - - A second half comeback fell just short as the Wilmington University men's soccer team fell, 2-1, to Caldwell in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.

The Wildcats (4-4-3, 4-2 CACC) found themselves down 2-0 at the break, but came out and out shot the Cougars (5-5-1, 3-3 CACC), 14-3, in the second half. Unfortunately, they were only able to find the back of the net once, despite the continued pressure.

The Cougars played well in the first half, keeping the Wildcats on their heels throughout the first half. The Cougars would eventually get on the board in the 21^st minute, suing a goal from Joaquin Escudero. He received a cross from the right side and one-timed it off the right post and in for the 1-0 lead.

The visitors struck again quickly, taking a 2-0 lead in the 24^th minute. The Wilmington defense stepped up to draw the Cougars offsides, but a deflection by the defense allowed the Cougars to get in behind the backline and onsides. Tom Yorston slotted one past Wilmington goalkeeper Vinny Tasca for the 2-0 lead just 23:05 into the match.

Lorne Bickley found himself in front early in the second half, looking to cut the deficit in half. But his shot went directly to the Caldwell keeper to keep it at 2-0. A trio of Wildcats had chances in the 60^th minute, as Bickley's initial shot was saved on the right post. Ben Jordan jumped on the rebound but his shot was blocked, as was Callum McHale's rebound opportunity. Dimitrios Topouzlis' header off the ensuing corner was blocked off the post as well.

McHale would eventually cut the deficit in half in the 75^th minute, being on the doorstep as Manuel Ruiz Luque's initial shot was saved. McHale knocked in the rebound for his first goal as a Wildcat at the 74:26 mark.

But that would be all the Wildcats would get in the game, as Bickley's last chance header off a free kick in the 89^th minute hit the crossbar and stayed out.

The Wildcats outshot the Cougars, 18-9, for the match, and earned more corners, 17-8, including a 11-2 advantage in the second half alone.

Tasca recorded four saves in the loss while Caldwell keeper Nils Svere made six stops for the win.

The Wildcats take to the road for a midweek contest at Georgian Court on Tuesday afternoon. The game against the reigning CACC Tournament Champions, and the team that knocked the Wildcats out of the CACC Tournament last year, will be gin at 3:30 p.m.