Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Burridge's game winner in the 78th minute taken by James Jones.
CALDWELL, N.J. - - A through ball in the 78th minute sprung Jamie Burridge for the game winner as the Wilmington University men's soccer team came back to defeat Caldwell, 2-1, in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Saturday afternoon.
The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 CACC) needed to come back from an early deficit as Caldwell (4-3-1, 3-1 CACC) jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goal in the third minute in front of the Caldwell University Homecoming crowd.
The visitors fought back and outshot the Cougars, 4-2, in the first half but didn't break though until the 37th minute. Geoff Velasquez played a ball over the top to a charging Lorne Bickley on the left side. Bickley headed the ball down and around the Caldwell goalkeeper who came off his line and slotted it home at the 36:52 mark to tie the match.
After the break, the Wildcats continued to keep the pressure on with outstanding midfield play from Juan Bernal and Deron Joe.
Bernal's play led to the game-winner in the 78th minute, as he played a ball down the middle of the field and allowed Burridge to get in behind the defense. Burridge's one-touch beat the charging goalkeeper over the top at the 77:01 mark of the second half.
The Wildcats out shot the Cougars, 8-5, and earned more corners, 5-3, in the match. Wildcat goalkeeper Vinny Tasca made two stops for the win while the Cougars' Fritz Meister recorded two saves.
After two games on the road, the Wildcats return home this week and host Holy Family at the WU Athletics Complex on Tuesday afternoon. The opening whistle is slated for 4:00 p.m.
