Copyright 2015; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of final celebration by James Jones.
NEWARK, Del. - - A goal midway through the second half was all the Wilmington University women's soccer team needed to stun Caldwell, 1-0, on a cold and misty afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex on Saturday during Homecoming.
The rain held off for the most part for the Wildcats (5-3, 5-1 CACC) and Cougars (4-6-1, 4-1-1 CACC), but the cool afternoon couldn't stop the hot Wildcats, as they captured their third straight victory and second straight shutout. The win moves the Wildcats into a tie for third in the CACC, percentage points behind Post, and a game behind Georgian Court.
The Wildcats and Cougars played an even first half, with both putting five shots on the board. Wilmington's Kierstyn Williams was called upon to make three saves in the first half, as was Caldwell's Mary Kanzler.
Momentum swung in favor of the Wildcats in the second half, as they out shot the Cougars, 8-4, and earned more corners, 2-0.
But only one of those shots found its way past Kanzler and it came in the 62nd minute. Following a scramble in the right side of the box, the ball found its way to Loran Wyrough with space. She played the ball over to Chandler Lages in the middle of the box and her shot beat Kanzler to the near post, for her third goal of the season.
The defense sank their heels in the rest of the way, only allowing two shots following the goal and clearing the ball away from danger in the final two minutes.
The biggest save of the game came right before the goal, as Williams used all of her 5-6 frame and then some to go up high to grab a save with 32:05 remaining in the contest.
Williams recorded five saves on the afternoon for her second consecutive shutout and third of the season. Kanzler made six saves for the Cougars, including a couple on breakaways to keep Caldwell in the game.
The Wildcats remain at home for their next contest, as they host West Chester at the WU Athletics Complex on Tuesday. West Chester received votes in the latest NSCAA Division II National Poll. The start is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
