Box Score NEWARK, Del. – A late first-half Wilmington (Del.) University goal proved to be the game winner as Wilmington defeated visiting Felician College, 1-0, in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference women's soccer action on Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex. Felician (1-2, 0-1 CACC) was playing its first CACC contest of 2013.
Wilmington (1-3, 1-1) is the defending CACC champion and shared first-place honors in the 2013 league preseason coaches' poll.
The match was evenly-played in the early-going. In the middle of a scoreless first half, both teams made multiple substitutions to put fresh bodies on the field. The first big break went to the Wildcats when, with 11 minutes, 20, seconds to play in the period, a Felician player was sent off with a direct red card.
It did not take the hosts long to capitalize. Following a short corner-kick play, Wilmington senior Rachel Burley (Kingsville, Md.) got free after a scramble in the box. Her rocket from six yards out was stopped by Golden Falcon sophomore goalkeeper Julia Sheridan (Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.), but Burley was the first player to the rebound. She volleyed the ball over Sheridan for her first career goal with 5:30 showing on the first-half clock.
Forced to work down a player for the match's final 56 minutes, Felician remained within striking distance. Sheridan was credited with eight saves on the afternoon, allowing the Golden Falcons some final chances. In the 84th minute, senior Erica Evans (Rockaway, N.J.) sent a cross across the penalty area that was destined for the foot of a teammate for a clear shot before being broken up by a Wildcat defender.
With barely more than two minutes remaining, Felician junior midfielder Jordan Farley (Brick, N.J.) sailed a 25-yard attempt just over the crossbar.
Wilmington keeper Julia Brown (Medford, N.J.) earned the solo shutout with two saves. The Wildcats rolled up advantages of 13-4 in shots and 5-0 in corner kicks. Arcona had both of Felician's shots on goal.
