Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of senior Kim Richer against Georgian Court, taken by James Jones.
LAKEWOOD, N.J. - - An early goal forced the Wilmington University women's soccer team to play from behind in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Semifinals and top seed and host Georgian Court dropped the Wildcats, 2-1, on Friday afternoon.
The loss ends the Wildcats season with an 11-7 overall record while the Lions (14-4-1) advance to the CACC Tournament Championship match against the winner of the Caldwell/Holy Family matchup playing later Friday.
With the ball off the opening whistle, the Wildcats produced a corner kick just 44 seconds into the contest. The ball was cleared out of the penalty box and the Lions took off the other way. It ended with Kaitlin Lister streaking down the right side, getting in on Wilmington goalkeeper Kierstyn Williams. Lister's shot beat Williams low and to her left side, finding the back of the net just 1:08 into the game.
Teigha Ward had an excellent opportunity in the 16th minute, putting a shot on frame but Lion netminder Natalie Axelsson tipped the ball over the cage for a corner.
The Wildcats' best opportunity in the second half came early on, as Laura van Steveninck put a shot on frame just 40 seconds in but Axelsson again guided the ball over the crossbar. The ensuing corner was cleared from danger.
The Wildcats didn't record another shot until the 78th minute, but in the meantime the Lions added an insurance goal in the 76th minute.
The Lions edged the Wildcats, 10-9, in shots but the Wildcats held the advantaged, 5-4, in corners, including the only two in the second half.
Axelsson made four stops for the Lions while Williams recorded two saves in the game for the Wildcats.
The 11 wins for the Wildcats are the most by the team since the 2012 season when they finished 13-7-2 overall and won the CACC Tournament Championship.
