BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - - Trailing 2-0 at the halftime break, the Wilmington University women's soccer team couldn't overcome the defending NCAA DII National Champions, falling to Bridgeport, 2-1, on Wednesday night under the lights.
It was the Purple Knight's (1-4) first home game of the 2019 season, meaning it was the first home game since winning the National Championship last season. The team unveiled the Championship banner and used the momentum of their first home game to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first half.
Bridgeport scored in the 10th minute and then added a goal in the 24th minute for the 2-0 lead. Bridgeport outshot the Wildcats (1-3), 7-3, in the first half.
The Wildcats' first shot of the second half came in the 58th minute, a chance by Samantha Emmi that was blocked. Another shot by Line Boussif sailed high in the 65th minute. Bridgeport had a corner at 82:13, but the ball went the other way and the Wildcats starting with a goal kick.
Krysta Memis played a ball forward and allowed newcomer Rockesha Dayes to run onto it. Dayes beat the goalkeeper to the ball outside of the 18-yard box and kneed it over the netminder's head. The ball trickled in before the defense could track it down with seven minutes to play in regulation.
Kasie Lambert set up a free kick with three minutes to play, but Cassidy McErlain's header from the top of the box didn't have much juice on it, as Claudia Torres made the save. It would be the Wildcats' final shot in the game.
Bridgeport outshot the Wildcats, 21-7, in the match and earned more corners, 6-1. Emily Camp made five saves for the Wildcats while Claudia Torres recorded two saves for the win.
The Wildcats begin Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Saturday when they host Felician at the WU Athletics Complex. They start the CACC doubleheader with a 12:00 p.m. opening kick.
