Press Release Written by Nathan Foltz
DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. - - The 14th-ranked Wilmington University women's soccer team suffered its first defeat of the season on Wednesday, falling to Mercy University, 3-1, on the road.
With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 4-1-2, while the Mavericks improve to 5-0-1 to remain unbeaten. The Wildcats came into Wednesday's match ranked 14th in this week's United Soccer Coaches National Poll and No. 2 in the East. Mercy received votes in this week's National Poll and is No. 4 in the East Region.
Mercy jumped on the Wildcats early, scoring in the third and eighth minutes to quickly take a 2-0 lead that Wilmington was unable to overcome. Sierra Bartley made things interesting in the 30th minute, finding the back of the net for her first goal of the season (Cayley Winters with the assist), but the Wildcats' attack couldn't break through the rest of the match. The Mavericks added on an insurance goal in the 62nd minute, as Wilmington saw all five of their second-half shots miss the net or find the hands of the goalkeeper.
Mercy led in shots 12-10, holding the Wildcats below their average of 14 shots per game through their first six contests. Eight of Mercy's shots were on goal, while Wilmington had five. The Mavericks also led in corners, 7-3.
Arianna Myers played the whole match in goal for Wilmington, saving five of the eight shots on goal she faced.
The Wildcats will look to rebound with a Homecoming conference matchup on Saturday when they play host to the University of Bridgeport. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the WU Athletics Complex. For more information on Homecoming Weekend, please visit www.wilmu.edu/homecoming.