NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's soccer team earned its first draw of the season, tying Dominican, 1-1, in a pivotal Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference contest on Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Wildcats came into the contest ranked fourth in the CACC standings while Dominican trailed directly behind in fifth. The top four teams earn a First Round playoff game to star the postseason.
After the tie, the Wildcats (9-4-1, 5-2-1 CACC) remain in fourth with 16 points while Bridgeport's victory over Lincoln (Pa.) jumped Dominican (6-6-2, 4-3-2 CACC) in the standings into fifth, with the Chargers sitting in sixth with 14 points.
On Saturday, the Wildcats played a strong first half, outshooting the Chargers, 9-4, in the opening 45 minutes. But the only mark the Wildcats would collect would come in the 38th minute. Off a free-kick, Alyssa Ruggeri tried to bring it down inside the 18-yard box but was shoved in the back while trying to gain control. A penalty kick was awarded, and Ruggeri stepped up and knocked in the PK for her seventh goal of the season and the 1-0 lead.
Alyssa Ruggeri had a good chance with a header out of the gates in the second half, but the ball was saved on the doorstep. But then Dominican used the wind at its back and began to press to tie the game. They ended up outshooting the Wildcats, 6-3, in the second half.
Dominican tied the score in the 78th minute, after a cross into the box popped right to Isabella Wysocki who shot from just into the top of the 18-yard box.
The Wildcats outshot the Chargers, 12-10, and earned more corners, 10-7. Arianna Myers made four stops in goal.
The Wildcats have three CACC games remaining in the regular season, with the next two on the road. The final stretch starts with CACC newcomer Lincoln (Pa.) on Tuesday afternoon, with the opening whistle set for 3:00 p.m.