WATERBURY, Conn. - - Second seeded Post scored two late goals to secure the 2018 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Men's Soccer Tournament Championship, 2-0, over top seeded Wilmington University on Sunday afternoon at LaMoy Field.
The Wildcats (14-2-4) had a multitude of chances in the first half, but couldn't find the final touch to get on the board. Instead, they went into locker room knotted at 0-0, despite leading in shots, 19-4, including 11-1 in shots on goal.
With the loss, the Wildcats will put their NCAA berth into the hands of the national committee and will find out if they earned a bid into the East Regional Tournament on Monday night with the NCAA Selection Show. The show will be aired on NCAA.com at 6:00 p.m. on Monday night.
Wilmington earned seven corners in the first half as well, holding possession and controlling the tempo of the game in the opening 45 minutes. But the Wildcats couldn't find the back of the net, as Post goalkeeper Fredrik Pedersen made 10 first have saves and used the help off the crossbar on one shot.
The second half was more evenly played with the shots being equal, 7-7, and the Wildcats only earning one corner. But it was their fourth shot of the half was changed the contest in favor of the Eagles.
CACC Player of the Year Sergio Diaz had the ball in the right corner and played a ball to the back post. Phillimon Bedard-Kha beat his defender and headed it home for the 1-0 lead 79:22 into the match. Post would then put the match away in the 89th minute, beating the high line of the Wildcats' defense and Alvaro Sanchez chipping goalkeeper Vinny Tasca with just 1:24 on the clock.
With the win, Post earns the CACC's automatic berth into the NCAA East Regional Tournament and will find out where they're seeded with the NCAA Selection Show as well. The Wildcats were ranked third in this week's poll but will see if their season continues when the bracket is announced.
The Wildcats' Tom Garratt, Will Stone, and Fredrik Bentdal were named to the CACC All-Tournament for their efforts through the three games.
