MEN'S SOCCER: JWU Wildcats Fall to Middlebury, 2-0, in NCAA Tournament
Two first-half goals did in JWU on Saturday afternoon as the Wildcats fell to the Panthers at RPI in the NCAA Tournament first round.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtesy of JWU Athletics Communications
TROY, N.Y. – The Johnson & Wales University men's soccer team's tremendous 2019 season came to close Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, hosted by RPI. The Wildcats were defeated by the Middlebury College Panthers, 2-0, at the East Campus Athletic Villiage Complex Stadium.
Records:
Middlebury: 9-3-7 (3-2-5 NESCAC)
Johnson & Wales: 17-3-2 (10-0-1 GNAC)
Statistical Leaders:
Drew Goulart (MC): 1 goal
Henry Wilhelm (MC): 1 goal
Goalkeepers:
MC: Ryan Grady (W, 9-3-6) 2 saves
JWU: Austin Scoggin (L, 15-3-2) 3 saves
Of Note:
The Wildcats gave up two goals in the first half that set the tone for the NCAA first round matchup. Drew Goulart got the Panthers on the board in the 15th minute with a helper from Jack Spiridellis. With the half coming to a close, the Panthers' Henry Wilhelm launched a dagger that got past the Wildcat keeper Austin Scoggin.
With the Panthers up 2-0, the Wildcats were forced to press in the second half. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the Panthers' defense held the line and kept JWU from mounting a comeback to advance to the next round of the NCAA tournament.
The shots were even for the match at 10, while the corner kick advantage went to Middlebury, 6 to 2.
The Wildcats graduate some significant pieces in Riley McNicholas, Jehon Balidemaj, Erik Schneider, Riley Spotton, and Alexi Flores. However, the good news for head coach Dave Kulik is that Nick Gutekunst, JP Rioux, Joulien Martinelli, Kevin Reilly are scheduled to return to defend the GNAC crown in 2020.