GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Senior forwards
Colin Bonner (Reservoir H.S./Fulton, Md.) and
Nathaniel Goodwin (W.A. Hough H.S./Huntersville, N.C.) each scored a goal as UNCW (1-0-1) posted its first win of the season with a 2-1 non-conference victory over UNCG (1-1-0) at the UNCG Soccer Stadium on Monday evening.
"It was an important win on the road," Coach
Aidan Heaney said. "I was really proud of our players' effort and their determination to get the win. UNCG is a strong team and this is always a tough place to get a result, so I am delighted for our team.
"I was delighted for Colin and Nathaniel to both get on the board as they were a constant threat all night," Heaney added. "Our center back pairing of
Michael Mecham and
Matt Morgan were very good again tonight as well."
Bonner gave the Seahawks a quick 1-0 lead in the third minute when he converted a crossing pass from Goodwin and scored on a 12-yard shot.
The Spartans answered in the 11th minute when senior
Noah DeAngelo (Bishop McGuiness H.S./Burlington, N.C.) took a through pass from junior forward
Damieon Thomas (St. Catherine, Jamaica) and scored his first goal of the season.
Goodwin reclaimed a one-goal advantage for the Seahawks in the 53rd minute when he knocked in a rebound of a shot by Bonner.
UNCG had an outstanding chance to tie the game with 11:01 remaining, but a shot by
Ben Burdon hit the goal post. The Spartans also had four shots in the final two minutes with three of them being blocked by the Seahawks with another attempt going wide.
"We had to defend well at the end of the game against the inevitable pressure that comes when a team is behind and throws numbers forward," Heaney said. "But, we showed the character needed to stay ahead."
Junior forward
Sean Melvin (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) recorded the victory without making a save as UNCG held a slim 14-13 advantage in shots. Meanwhile, senior goalkeeper
Logan Rohde (Apex H.S./Cary, N.C.) made six saves in a losing effort for the Spartans.
#SeahawkStats: The Seahawks are 3-0-2 in their last five matches against the Spartans and have defeated UNCG by a 2-1 score in each of the last two seasons … UNCW is now 8-5-2 all-time against UNCG … Coach
Aidan Heaney earned his 125th victory as the Seahawks' leader … The Seahawks are 4-0-1 in their last five regular season matches, dating back to last season.
What's Ahead for the Seahawks: UNCW opens a three-game homestand on Friday, Sept. 4 by welcoming North Florida to UNCW Soccer Stadium as part of the Courtyard by Marriott Wrightsville Beach Classic. Opening kick-off between the Seahawks and the Ospreys is slated for 7:30 p.m.
Men's College Soccer: UNCW 2, UNCG 1UNCW 1-1 / 2
UNCG 1-0 / 1
Goals: UNCW –
Colin Bonner (2:34),
Nathaniel Goodwin (52:53); UNCG – Noah DeAngelo (10:41).
Assists: UNCW –
Nathaniel Goodwin,
Colin Bonner; UNCG – Damieon Thomas.
Saves: UNCW –
Sean Melvin 0 (90:00, 1 goals allowed); UNCG – Logan Rohde 6 (90:00, 2 goals allowed).
Shots: UNCW – 13; UNCG – 14.
Corner Kicks: UNCW – 4; UNCG – 7.
Attendance: 2,092.
