Molloy Scores Late Goal to Pull Even With Women’s Soccer, 2-2

Wilmington University’s Brianna Wons ties the game, 1-1, with her first goal as a Wildcat during their NCAA Women’s Soccer Match at the Wilmington University Sports complex in Newark, Delaware, September 13, 2023 

Photo by Giovanni Badalamenti
Wilmington University’s Brianna Wons ties the game, 1-1, with her first goal as a Wildcat during their NCAA Women’s Soccer Match at the Wilmington University Sports complex in Newark, Delaware, September 13, 2023 Photo by Giovanni Badalamenti

NEWARK, Del. - - A late goal off a corner stole a victory away from the Wilmington University women's soccer team, as Molloy came back to earn a 2-2 tie on Wednesday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.

The Wildcats (1-1-2) surrendered the first goal of the match but fought back to take a 2-1 lead more than 10 minutes to play. But the tying goal came with 2:22 on the scoreboard as the game ended in a draw.

After a scoreless first half, the Lions (1-1-3) started the scoring early in the second frame. Off a corner, the ball bounced back out to the corner taker. Sarah Tappeto played another cross in and Lauren Marinello was there to deflect it past Mio Nakajima for the 1-0 lead 53:14 into the match.

The Wildcats were finally able to find some momentum, first with Manuela Restrepo getting in behind the defense on a through ball from Kailynn Ortiz. But Restrepo's shot from in close sailed high.

Brianna Wons won the ensuing goal kick and the second ball landed to Julia Yuhase. Yuhase led fed Wons into the box on the left side, and she was able to find the back of the net with a sliding shot, tying the game in the 66th minute.

Brianna Wons was in the middle of the second goal as well, as the Wildcats earned a free kick from 30 yards out in the 80th minute. She took the free kick and her long ball hit the cross bar and popped up into the box. Through a crowd, Maria Leguizamon got a head on it, and the ball made its way just over the goal line at the far post for a goal, just before the Lions could clear it off the line.

But the Wildcats couldn't keep the lead, as Molloy earned a corner kick in the 87th minute. The ball to the back post was headed back across the face of the goal and then redirected by Olivia Ingenito and into the back of the net.

Molloy's goalkeeper Shannon Kilian made four saves in the match while Mio Nakajima made three stops in the game.

The Wildcats open Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play on the road this weekend, as they head to Post on Saturday. The opening whistle in Waterbury, Connecticut, is set for 12:00 p.m.