NEWARK, Del. – With two second half goals, including an own goal by the Penmen defense, No. 17 Wilmington University men's soccer team defeated Southern New Hampshire, 2-1, Wednesday afternoon in a regional matchup at the WU Athletics Complex.
A slow start for the Wildcats (5-0) put them down 1-0 early in the game, as Southern New Hampshire (2-1-1) scored the first goal of the game just three minutes into the contest on a cross inside the box. In the 27th minute of play, Southern New Hampshire's Kiko Hernandez was issued a red card for a foul on Callum McHale that ejected the Penman from the game, forcing SNHU to play a man down the rest of the contest.
Wilmington would have a few chances minutes later, but a shot from Shawn Genus would be blocked before two more chances for the Wildcats were called offside.
Still a man down entering the second half, the Penmen's defense ended up giving the Wildcats their first goal of the game in the 52nd minute. Abdul Mansaray would cross a ball inside the box from the left side, which would be misplayed by the Penmen defenseman and end up in the back of the net for the Wildcats to tie the game up at 1-1.
Four minutes later, Fredrik Bentdal would take a corner kick for the Wildcats that set up Joe Bell on the back post to head in the ball and give Wilmington their first lead of the game, making it 2-1. The Wildcats would get several more opportunities on goal, but would be saved by the Penmen goalie.
With time ticking down in the final minute, Southern New Hampshire had one more chance on a corner kick, in which they brought in their goalkeeper for an extra man, putting a shot on goal, but Gabriel Prgomet would make the save to end the game.
Joe Bell would collect his second goal of the year, thanks to Fredrik Bentdal who got the assist. Shawn Genus had two shots on goal for the Wildcats as they outshot the Penmen, 13-6, in the game. Gabriel Prgomet made one save in the net to improve to 5-0 on the season.
Wilmington is back home on Saturday afternoon as they are the second game of a double-header with the women's soccer team. They will open CACC play against Felician starting at 2:30 p.m.
