Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. File photo of Robbins who led the team with two shots on goal at Philadelphia, taken by Taren Cooper.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - - An early second half goal carried Philadelphia to a 1-0 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory over the Wilmington University women's soccer team on Tuesday afternoon at Ravenhill Field.
The loss snapped a four-game winning streak inside the CACC for the Wildcats (8-6, 7-3 CACC) but keeps the team in third place in the conference with two CACC games to play. The win is the fifth in the last six CACC games for the Rams (7-6-1, 6-3-1 CACC) and puts them in a tie for fourth overall in the standings with two games to play.
Despite an early goalie change, the Wildcats fought through the first half to a scoreless tie. The Rams out shot the Wildcats, 6-5, while Melissa Gall needed to make the switch to goalkeeper in the sixth minute and make two stops during the first half.
Starting goalkeeper Kierstyn Williams came back on for the Wildcats to start the second half, but the Rams struck first with a goal in the 52nd minute. Williams came off her line to punch away a cross, but the ball landed right on the foot of Parisse Dawkins for her first goal of the season.
The Wildcats put the pressure on down the stretch, but Rebecca Dolhansky's header in the 88th minute was saved by the Rams' netminder Deanna Messner. Laura van Steveninck got on the end of a corner kick from Carin Essex-Arline, but her shot was blocked moments later. The Wildcats' last chance came early in the 90th minute, but Kelly Robbins' shot was also saved by the Rams' goaltender.
The Rams out shot the Wildcats, 14-10, for the match while also earning more corners, 5-3. Williams recorded three saves in the second half while Messner finished the game with four stops.
The Wildcats close out their nonconference schedule on Thursday when they welcome Millersville to the WU Athletics Complex. The opening whistle is set for 3:30 p.m.
