WILMINGTON, Del. – Led by three goals from freshman midfielder
Terell Williamson (TC Williams H.S./Alexandria, Va.), Chowan University (1-1-0) used a strong second half to earn a 6-2 non-conference victory over Goldey-Beacom College (0-1-0) in the Lightning's season opener at Nancy Churchman-Sawin Field on Saturday afternoon.
After battling to a 1-1 draw in the first half, the Hawks pulled away in the first 16 minutes of the second half to gain a 4-1 advantage they never relinquished. Williamson scored two of his three goals during the spurt.
The Lightning trimmed the margin to 4-2 in the 62nd minute when freshman forward
Fernando Sanchez (Madrid, Spain) tallied the first goal of his college career off an assist from freshman midfielder
Manuel Berto (Valencia, Spain).
However, Williamson struck again for his third goal just 56 seconds later to increase the margin to 5-2. With 22:13 remaining, freshman midfielder
Christian Funes (San Pedro Sula, Honduras) upped the Hawks' lead to 6-2 after a restart pass from freshman midfielder
Francisco Ferrus (Guatemala City, Guatemala).
Making the first start of his college career, freshman goalkeeper
Marcus Arrvidsson (Taby, Sweden) made two saves for the Lightning.
Junior goalkeeper
Marco Lujan (Tiuana, Mexico) and sophomore goalkeeper
Carlos Ramirez (Bogota, Colombia) each posted two saves for the Hawks.
Post-Game Quotes: Goldey-Beacom Coach Ryan Dixon
"The first half was actually pretty good for us. We gave up the first goal in early part of the first half, which was disappointing. But, then we started knocking the ball around and playing our style. We are a possession team and we showed that. We just couldn't tuck away that second goal in the half."
"Give credit to Chowan. They were able to put us away with that run in the second half."
"Preseason scrimmages are close to the real thing, but in game situations, the speed of play and physical nature of the game is totally different. It was the first game and it was a wake up call for our young guys."
Quick Strikes
· Saturday's match marked the first meeting between the Lightning and Hawks in men's soccer.
· The Lightning outshot Chowan by a 15-10 margin, including a commanding 10-3 edge in the first half.
· The Lightning's starting lineup featured six players who were making their college debut. In addition, seven other players made their college debut as a reserve.
What's Ahead for the Lightning
Sunday, Sept. 7 vs. Washington Adventist · 2:30 p.m. · Nancy Churchman-Sawin Field (Wilmington, Del.)
Tuesday, Sept. 9 vs. Lock Haven · 4 p.m. · Nancy Churchman-Sawin Field (Wilmington, Del.)
Saturday, Sept. 13 vs. Caldwell · 3 p.m. · Nancy Churchman-Sawin Field (Wilmington, Del.)
