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Press Release Written by Sports Information Graduate Inter MaryKate Rumbaugh
NEWARK, Del. – Daniel Loyo's goal with one minute left in the first half sparked the Wilmington University men's soccer team's 3-0 victory over eighth seeded Chestnut Hill in the First Round of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Tuesday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex to advance to the CACC Semifinals.
The Wildcats (13-1-4) started the first half with several opportunities around the net, but could not connect for a goal. Ben Jordan had an opportunity in the 15th minute of the game when he was able to beat several defenders inside the box to get a shot off that went just high. A minute later Jordan had another opportunity with a shot on goal, but would hit the post and stay out. It was not until the 44th minute into the first half that Daniel Loyo connected with a header from Tom Garratt off a corner kick to give the Wildcats the 1-0 lead.
The Wildcats would bring that momentum with them into the second half, as Tom Garratt put a cross over from the right side to Fredrick Bentdal to give WilmU a 2-0 lead over the Griffins. Six minutes later, Ben Jordan got a shot off inside the box, but was blocked by the Griffins keeper, and then make a no-look pass to Tom Garratt behind him to finish off the scoring.
Chestnut Hill would get five more shots off before the end of regulation, but Wilmington would hold on for the shutout.
Vinny Tasca made two saves in goal for his seventh shutout of the season for the Wildcats. WilmU out-shot the Griffins, 19-9, in the contest.
With the win, the Wildcats advance to participate in the CACC Tournament Semifinals for the fourth time in the last five seasons. They will look to advance to the Championship game for the first time since 2014.
Wilmington will play fourth seeded Jefferson in the second round of the CACC Tournament this Friday at Post University in Waterbury, Conn. Opening whistle is set for 11:00 a.m.
