Press Release Written by Mitchell Coll
NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's soccer team was slated as the second event for the 2022 Wilmington University Homecoming festivities. Five goals in total were scored in the match, but the Wildcats fell short, dropping the game 3-2 to the Post University Eagles in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchup Saturday afternoon.
The first significant chance for either side came in the sixth minute for the Eagles. Post's Hailey McGee snuck past the Wildcats' backline with her run. McGee found herself all alone with just Mio Nakajima to beat. Nakajima came off her line and made a crucial diving save to her left to stop a dangerous look at goal for the Eagles.
The Wildcats wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the first half as the play started from the back from a goal kick. The Wildcats strung some passes together to move the ball up field. Annie Holst controlled the ball just before the midline. Holst connected on an Emilie Larsen run, and Larsen found herself 1v1 with the keeper. Larsen took a touch past Post's keeper and knocked the ball into the empty net to put the 'Cats up 1-0.
The Eagles earned one of their eight corners in the 21st minute. Post's Katharina Kuhne's corner from the left side was able to find the back of the net, sneaking into the near post, to even the game at 1-1.
The Wildcats closed out the first half with a couple more opportunities. The Wildcats earned a corner in the 37th minute which led to a Rockesha Dayes shot a minute later that was wide to the right. Emily Navarrete had the last two chances before the half with two shots, but they were matched by good defending by the Eagles as both shots were blocked.
The Eagles scored in a quick 27 seconds in the second half. The Wildcats started with the ball in the second half, and the Eagles were able to create an immediate counterattack. McGee capped off another goal that just snuck by Samantha Emmi and Mio Nakajima. The 'Cats found themselves down one with 44 minutes left.
To the Wildcat's credit, they wasted no time scoring the equalizer. Emilie Larsen was able to create havoc amongst Post's backline causing a turnover that found the feet of Jhanae Colston. Colston reacted quickly by taking two touches and laying it off for Larsen. Larsen then finished the ball with her left foot to tie the game at two-a-piece.
The Eagles scored their third goal of the game in the 66th minute, as Post's Valentini and McGee connect once again in the Wildcat's defensive third. Valentini crossed the ball from the right side, finding McGee, who found the top left corner of the net.
Samantha Emmi had an opportunity at goal with a set-piece earned by Jhanae Colston in the 76th minute. Emmi had taken the direct kick from about 25 yards out, on the left-center side of the field. However, Emmi's shot was saved by the Post's keeper Imelda Lazaro. That proved to be the last best chance for the Wildcats in the match.
The Wildcats have a quick turnaround as they welcome Jefferson to the WU Athletics Complex on Tuesday, September 27th. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM.
