MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The Wilmington Wildcats used a hat trick from Lorne Bickley and a brace from Abdul Mansaray to spoil Millersville's season opener with a 5-1 victory Thursday afternoon.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
•The lone Millersville goal came in the 53rd minute when sophomore
Spencer Shortt stormed down the right side and fired a cross to
Jacob Gosselin at the penalty spot. Gosselin booted it home to bring the Marauders within a goal, 2-1.
• A couple of unfortunate bounces led to Wilmington's first two tallies. In the sixth minute, Millersville goalkeeper
Darian McCauley was pressured by Shawn Genus and the ball deflected right to Lorne Bickley for the first goal. Just fifteen minutes later, a penalty shot from Bickley made it 2-0.
• Wilmington added three unanswered second half goals to secure the victory.
POST GAME REACTION FROM HEAD COACH STEVE WIDDOWSON
•
On a tough early season schedule: "We have to have a strong schedule to give any chance of competing for an NCAA spot. We also need to test ourselves so we can grow and improve over the course of the season and to prepare for PSAC play."
•
On trusting multiple freshmen in the starting lineup and off the bench: "We have always started multiple freshmen and have no problem doing it. We are a very young team so some of it is through necessity. At times they struggled today, but at times they did great. It's now about how quickly they learn and adjust to college soccer."
•
On just one full day of rest before another game Saturday: "Quick turnaround is good. Less time to dwell on things. We need to focus on details and significantly improve our ball retention... Then cut out killer mistakes; they are the key elements."
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
•
Spencer Shortt led the Marauders with three shots. He was also credited for an assist, his first of the season. Shortt totaled seven assists during the 2018 campaign.
•
Jacob Gosselin scored one goal on one shot. He scored four total goals last season.
NOTES
• Four freshmen (
Frankie Astarita,
Michael Kreider,
Bob Hennessey and
Bobby Wells) started the game for the Marauders.
• Wilmington has now won two straight season opening games against Millersville, including a 3-2 overtime victory in 2018. The two teams drew 1-1 in 2017.
UP NEXT
• The Marauders remain in Delaware at Wilmington University and will face Goldey-Beacom on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The Marauders defeated the Lightning 2-0 in 2018.
