BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - - The Wilmington University men's soccer team earned a point on the road against the Purple Knights, as they tied, 1-1, in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchup among the top two teams on Saturday evening.
The Wildcats are now unbeaten in nine straight matches and are 7-2-4 overall and 6-0-2 in the CACC.
The Wildcats' first look at a chance was sixth minute as they earned a corner on the left side. However, the corner opportunity by Richard Thompson was stopped by a clearance from Bridgeport's goalkeeper.
In the 11th minute, Deshawn Bernard won possession in Bridgeport's defensive third. Bernard then quickly found Marius Skattum-Dahl in the midfield. Skattum-Dahl eventually found the feet of Yohan Kim, and Kim played the ball first time to Tyler Guadagno. Guadagno played a "1-2 ball" to Tajhay Williams, and now Guadagno had a great look at the goal from the right side, inside the 18-yard box. Guadagno's shot beat the goalkeeper, but the Bridgeport defensive was able to clear the ball before it passed over the goal line. The deflection found the feet of an unmarked Tajhay Williams. Williams knocked in the goal to put the Wildcats up 1-0 in the 12th minute.
In the 26th minute, the Purple Knights found the equalizer from a goal by Maximilian Kissel. Bridgeport's goal came from a corner kick on the right side. The Purple Knights started their set piece around the 18-yard line, and most of them made runs into the six-yard box. Bas Markus attempted to clear the corner, but the traffic around the six-yard box was the difference, as the Purple Knights were able to score off failed clearances by the 'Cats.
The Wildcats had some chances for the go-ahead goal in the 37th and 38th minutes. The Wildcats earned a free-kick 35 plus yards out from goal. Richard Thompson stepped over the ball and found Joni Ndrenika in the air. Ndrenika attempted a shot at goal with a header, but it was wide to the left. In the 38th minute, Mads-Emil Roestbjaerg controlled the ball down the left side in the Wildcat's offensive third. Roestbjaerg found Skattum-Dahl atop the 18-yard box on the left side. Bridgeport's defense blocked Skattum-Dahl's opportunity at goal.
The Wildcats and the Purple Knights went into the half tied 1-1. The Wildcats finished the half with six shots (2 on goal) and the Purple Knights finished with two shots (one on goal). The Wildcats picked up three yellow cards, and the Purple Knights had two yellow cards in the first half.
Bas Markus stopped the second half's first chance by either team in the 59th minute. The Purple Knights earned a free kick on the right side of the 18-yard box. The free kick was shot on frame but was controlled easily by Markus for his first save of the night.
Marcus Hedemann had the first look at goal for the Wildcats in the second half. Hedemann received a through ball from midfield and was past the last line of defense. Hedemann hit the ball first time with his left foot, on the left side, about 15-yards out, but Bridgeport's keeper denied the chance at goal.
Two minutes later, the Wildcats had another chance at goal as Tyler Guadagno had the ball on the right side of the field outside the 18-yard box. Guadagno connected with Hedemann, who found Skattum-Dahl outside the box, in the middle of the field. Skattum-Dahl fired a shot destined for the top right corner, but Bridgeport's keeper had a good jump on the ball to prevent the Wildcats from taking the lead.
In the 76th minute, Bas Markus saved a shot initially deflected by the Wildcat's defense. The shot was taken from 20-plus yards out, so Markus was able to put himself in position to make the save, despite the deflection change of the ball.
Richard Thompson had the last opportunity for the Wildcats to score the go-ahead goal in the 89th. The ball started on the left side but was able to switch to the right side of the field. The ball was bouncing in the box and found Thompson's foot, but the shot was wide right.
The Wildcats held the advantage in shots 12-6, but the Purple Knights had more corner kick opportunities with six to the Wildcats' three.
The Wildcats return home on Wednesday, October 12th, to take on West Chester University in a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM at the WU Athletics Complex.