NYACK, N.Y. - - The Wilmington University men's soccer team held off a second half comeback from Nyack, using a pair of Abdul Mansaray first half goals to defeat the Warriors, 2-1, in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Saturday afternoon at Moseley Field.
The Wildcats (4-2-2, 4-1 CACC) outshot the Warriors (3-4-1, 1-3 CACC), 18-7, but couldn't find the back of the net in the second half. They used the momentum of two first half goals from Abdul Mansaray to carry them to the CACC victory.
The Wildcats had early opportunities off corner kicks, as Daniel Loyo's header sailed high in the second minute. Lorne Bickley had another chance off a corner kick, but his shot hit the post and stayed out in the eighth minute.
It wasn't until the 24th minute that the Wildcats found the back of the net, as Mansaray scored the first of his two goals in one minute and 16 seconds. Manuel Ruiz Luque played a long ball over the top, allowing Mansaray to run onto it for his third goal of the season 23:45 into the match.
Mansaray didn't waste any time for his next opportunity, as his high pressure led to another goal. A defensive clear attempted was blocked and Mansaray collected the ball and scored the rebound 1:16 later to put the visitors ahead, 2-0, in the 26th minute.
The Wildcats outshot the Warriors, 11-2, in the first half but could only get those two goals from Mansaray.
The Warriors quickly answered as the second half started, scoring just 1:22 into the second frame. Storm Glautier cut the Nyack deficit in half with his second goal of the season.
But that is all Wilmington goalkeeper Vinny Tasca allowed as the Wildcats held on in the second half. The Wildcats outshot the Warriors, 7-5, in the second half, totaling an 18-7 advantage for the match. The Wildcats also earned more corners, 10-4, in the game. Tasca made one save for the victory.
The Wildcats step outside of the CACC for their next two contests, as they take trips to Long Island for a pair of mid-week games. They first go United Soccer Coaches Nationally Ranked No. 8 LIU Post on Tuesday. The opening whistle is set for 4:00 p.m.
