(ALTOONA, Pa.) – Brian Mulholland (Jr., Oracle, Ariz. / Canyon del Oro) is having a week to remember as his goal in the 78th minute lifted Wilson to a victory over Penn State Altoona on Saturday evening. It was his third goal of the week as the Phoenix have now won back-to-back contests.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 1, Penn State Altoona 0
Venue: Spring Run Stadium
Records: Wilson 3-5, Penn State Altoona 1-4
How it Happened
- Despite the low scoring final, there were plenty of opportunities for both squads as they combined for 33 shots in the contest. The majority of those, both overall and on target, belonged to the Phoenix, but it was the Nittany Lions who had the first great opportunity. As Wilson keeper Gerson Navarro (So., Manassas Park, Va. / Manassas Park) attempted to clear the ball, the deflection found itself at the feet of Altoona's Giovanny Furbino just to the right of the goal. He swiftly took a shot inside the near post, but Andrew Bailey (So., Mt. Airy, Md. / Linganore) was able to get into position to keep the game scoreless.
- Wilson was able to counter with Luis Jimenez (So., Carabobo, Venezuela / Taylor Allderdice) taking a pair of shots over the next five minutes, both of which went wide. Jordan DeVincent (So., Eldersburg, Md. / Liberty) followed with the first Phoenix shot on goal which was saved by Altoona keeper Sasha Mohoruk in the 13th minute. Both teams were only able to get one more shot on goal before the end of the half.
- Jace Williams (So., Chesapeake, Va. / Hickory) and Jimenez put the pressure one at the start of the second. Williams had a pair of shots on goal with Mohoruk making saves on both. The second reflected out where Jimenez had a chance from just a few yards out, but Mohoruk was still close by and made the stop with control.
- The Phoenix finally broke through late in the game as Bryson Curtis (So., Fairfax, Va. / Oakton) took control just outside the box on the right side. His cross found an unmarked Mulholland on the left and he was able to head the ball in with a bounce just inside the post.
Inside The Numbers
- Numbers were fairly balanced across the board. Wilson led in total shots by a narrow 18-15 margin, although shots on goal were more heavily in favor of the visitors by an 11-3 difference. Corner kicks were even at six apiece.
- Navarro went the distance to record the clean sheet, the first of his collegiate career.
- Mulholland's goal now gives him 25 points for his career.
- Wilson last won back-to-back games during the 2021 campaign with road victories at Clarks Summit and Valley Forge.
Up Next
The Phoenix will look to make it three-straight as they return home to host another Penn State branch as nearby Mont Alto visits Kris's Meadow. All faculty are invited to attend Faculty Recognition Day with kickoff slated for 4 p.m.
