Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Deron Joe taken by James Jones.
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - - The Wilmington University men's soccer team jumped out to a two-goal lead before holding on at West Chester, 2-1, in nonconference action on Tuesday night.
In a battle between a pair of regionally ranked teams in the latest NSCAA polls, the Wildcats (4-1) out shot the Golden Rams (4-2-1), 10-6, and scored the first two goals before holding off the home team for the victory. The Wildcats were voted eighth in the NSCAA East Region Poll while the Golden Rams were selected fourth in the NSCAA Atlantic Region Poll earlier this week.
The Wildcats struck first in the contest, as freshman Lorne Bickley continued his strong play in the early going with his fourth goal of the year in the 20th minute. Bickley finished off a corner from fellow freshman Fredrik Bentdal for the 1-0 lead. The Wildcats outshot the Golden Rams, 2-0, the rest of the half, but went into the break leading 1-0.
Out of the break, the Wildcats continued to put the pressure on the Golden Rams, putting the first shots and one corner kick in the stat sheet. After defending the Ram's first corner of the second half, the Wildcats countered and added to their lead in the 57th minute. Deron Joe found the back of the net for his first goal as a Wildcat off a feed from Jamie Burridge.
West Chester was able to break through in the 68th minute but Wilmington goalkeeper Vinny Tasca recorded three saves in the final 15 minutes to preserve the win.
The three saves in the final 15 minutes were the only saves Tasca was called on to make while West Chester's goalkeeper made four saves.
The Wildcats remain on the road but return to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference action on Saturday when they travel to Caldwell. The opening whistle is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
