(PHOENIXVILLE, Pa.) – The Wilson men's soccer team picked up a crucial point in the United East conference standings with a draw against Valley Forge on Saturday afternoon. The Phoenix went down early as the Patriots benefited from an own goal early on, but the Blue and White were able to equalize late in the second half to pick up the point.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 1, Valley Forge 1
Venue: Patriot Field
Records: Wilson 3-9-3, 1-4-1 UE; Valley Forge
How It Happened
- Wilson put early pressure on with a pair of corner kicks in the opening moments, but nothing was generated in terms of shots from them. Jace Williams (Jr., Chesapeake, Va. / Hickory) eventually got off the first shot in the game in the 16th minute which was saved by the Patriots' Jayce Blanton.
- Moments after, Valley Forge took the lead on an own goal after a bad bounce on a ball played back to the goalie went into the net. Wilson had some strong chances later to pull even starting with Andrew Bailey (Jr., Mount Airy, Md. / Linganore) taking a couple of shot that were saved and went wide right. Omar Cortez (So., Columbia, Tenn. / Spring Hill) followed suit in similar fashion 30 seconds later. Bailey had another crack at it, this time on target, in the 43rd which was saved. Jordan DeVincent (Jr., Eldersburg, Md. / Liberty) also had a chance as time expired, but that too was saved.
- Valley Forge opened up the second half with the first three shots, but Wilson still largely controlled the tempo. The Phoenix just missed the equalizer twice in the 54th minute as Landon Howe (Jr., Martinsburg, W.Va. / St. Maria Goretti) and Cortez hit the left post and crossbar, respectively. Brian Plamp (So., Locust Grove, Va. / Orange County), Lenin Cinco (Jr., Chantilly, Va. / Westfield), Williams, DeVincent, Bailey, and Brian Mulholland (Sr., Oracle, Ariz. / Canyon del Oro) all had attempts in the 25 minutes that followed.
- Persistence finally paid off as Williams connected with Cinco in the 77th minute. Williams took possession on the right side of the box and sent it into a crowded middle in front of the net. Cinco was able to get a touch on the ball and flick it inside the left post for the score. Wilson had two more chances afterwards, but neither were on target and left the game in a draw.
Inside The Numbers
- Wilson controlled the shot chart 23-7 overall and 7-2 in shots on goal. Corner kicks also heavily favored the Phoenix by a 7-1 count.
- Cinco's goal was the first of his collegiate career. He now has a two-game point streak after recording an assist against Penn State Brandywine.
- Williams is also on a two-game point streak after his hat trick on Wednesday.
- The Phoenix are currently tied with Brandywine for the 10th and final playoff spot.
Up Next
Wilson hosts Notre Dame on Tuesday as part of a men's and women's doubleheader. Kickoff with the Gators is set for 2 p.m.
