Wildcats Strike First But Fall in Overtime, 2-1, at Caldwell

Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Gall's goal at Caldwell taken by James Jones.

CALDWELL, N.J. - - The Wilmington University women's soccer team dropped its second straight match in overtime, falling to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference foe Caldwell, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats (4-3, 3-1 CACC) scored first early in the second half, but Caldwell (4-3-1, 4-1 CACC) stormed back to tie the game before finishing off the comeback 8:45 into the extra period.

Playing in front of a Caldwell University Homecoming crowd, the Wildcats struck first in the 53^rd minute of action. Minutes after the Cougars hit the post with a shot, the Wildcats earned a corner kick. Rebecca Dolhansky sent the ball into the box and found the head of Melissa Gall for her first career goal at the 52:58 mark of the second half.

Both teams traded shots following the goal as Teigha Ward had a pair of opportunities either be saved or sail wide of the goal. Caldwell earned a corner but a header went over the goal to keep the game in favor of the Wildcats, 1-0.

But another corner for the home team was cashed in, as the Cougars tied the game in the 77^th minute with a goal off the foot of Meghan Grundhauser. Ward and Laura van Steveninck responded with a pair of shots, but neither were on frame down the stretch, sending the game into overtime.

Gabby Perry started the overtime period with an opportunity, but her shot just 28 seconds into the extra period was saved. The Cougars capitalized on their first shot of the overtime session, however, getting the game-winner from Emily Valerian at the 98:45 mark.

Kierstyn Williams recorded three saves on Saturday while Kylie Whalen made five stops for the Cougars to record the win. The Cougars out shot the Wildcats, 14-9, in the game, including a 10-6 advantage in the second half. The home team also eanred more corners, 8-3, in the match.

The Wildcats remain in the CACC for their next contest, but return to the friendly confines of the WU Athletics Complex. The Wildcats host Holy Family on Wednesday with a 4:00 p.m. opening whistle.