GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - - Adelphi spoiled the 2022 season opener for the Wilmington University men's soccer team, scoring a pair of goals early before defeating the Wildcats, 4-0, on Thursday night at Motamed Field.
On the first night of competition across the NCAA DII landscape, it was Adelphi that jumped out on top on its home field. The Panthers (1-0) scored in the second and 12th minutes to take control early in the game.
The Wildcats (0-1) stepped up the pressure and got a shot on goal from Marcus Hedemann and two from Mads-Emil Roestbjaerg, but all three were saved by the Panthers' netminder. It seemed as if a goal was looming for the Wildcats before the break, but they couldn't find the back of the net. The Wildcats had all six of their corners in the first half.
Adelphi came out of the halftime break on the attack again, scoring their third goal just 6:24 into the second half. The Panthers put the game away with their fourth goal of the night, taking a 4-0 lead in the 65th minute.
Adelphi led in shots, 16-10, and shots on goal, 11-3. The Wildcats held the advantage in corners, 6-4. Bas Markus made seven saves in goal in his Wilmington debut. The Panthers' Victory Castel had a hand in all four goals, scoring twice while adding two assists.
The Wildcats remain on Long Island for another game on Saturday, as they prepare to play American International on the campus of Adelphi University. The opening whistle is set for 3:00 p.m.