Davidson 2, Coastal Carolina 1

CONWAY, S.C. ­ Davidson netted a goal in each half and the Wildcats won their fourth straight with a 2-1 road victory over Coastal Carolina in men’s soccer action Wednesday evening. Prior to tonight’s match, Davidson was winless in four previous tries at CCU Soccer Field as it improves to 4-3-0 overall. Dropping their first game since the season opener, the Chanticleers fall to 4-2-1 on the 2006 campaign.

 

“It’s always very difficult to win on the road,” commented Davidson head coach Matt Spear, who with the win improves 65-39-8 in his six years at the helm. “When you throw in tough conditions with the rain and wet field it makes tonight’s victory that much more gratifying.”

 

Davidson struck just 2:06 into the match to grab an early 1-0 advantage.

 

Wildcat back Ryan Adeleye played a long ball to senior Marco Antunez, who raced by the Coastal defense creating a one-on-one opportunity, which he capitalized on with a low shot that found the bottom right corner of the net. The goal was second in as many games for the Norwalk, Conn., native and the fifth of his career.

 

Luke Ibbetson provided the Chanticleers with a first half equalizer with just under 20 minutes to play in the period. After a CCU cross was deflected by Wildcat keeper Ben Ashton, Mkheli Dube gathered and set up Ibbetson for his team-leading sixth goal of the season.

 

After missing a couple of scoring opportunities earlier in the contest, midfielder Cass Baltz provided Davidson with the difference-maker in the 71st minute of play. Baltz, a preseason all-conference selection from Raleigh, N.C., tracked down a loose ball off a Wildcat corner and ripped a one touch from the top of the 18 for the eventual game-winner.

 

“Cass is the type of player that can make game-winning plays,” said Coach Spear. “We’re happy he could put away the winning strike this evening.”

 

For the fifth consecutive contest the Wildcats controlled the shot column as they held a 15-8 margin over Coastal Carolina this evening.

 

Wildcat freshman Robby Goldsberry turned away three second half shots in net, while Ashton also stopped one of his own for Davidson playing the first

45 minutes. Coastal Carolina played a pair of keepers as well in Jeremy Wolfgang and Aaron Weant, who each allowed a goal and recorded three and five saves, respectively.

 

“I think the guys are believing in themselves and our confident that they can win each match. They are still learning from game to game, and many pieces are still coming together. Our squad is very flexible to where a number of guys can step up at any time.”

 

Davidson will conclude its four-game trip away from Alumni Stadium with a 2 p.m. match at South Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 17. Coastal Carolina returns to action Saturday, Sept. 16 when it battles UNC Wilmington at 7 p.m.

 

“We are going to enjoy tonight’s win and are looking forward to a very exciting match with South Carolina on Sunday afternoon.”

 

 

#5 Wake Forest 2, #22 Elon 0

ELON, N.C. -- On a rainy night under the lights of Rhodes Stadium, the 22nd-rated Elon Phoenix men’s soccer team played its first contest as a team ranked in the top-25 in the nation against one of the best in the country in fifth-ranked Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons scored twice in the game’s first 10 minutes and went on to defeat the Phoenix by a 2-0 margin in front of nearly 500 die-hard fans.

Wells Thompson struck for Wake Forest (5-1-0) less than two minutes in off beautiful passes from Ryan Solle and Jamie Franks near the box. At the 9:42 mark, Thompson netted his second goal of the evening and his third of the season. This score came after an Austin da Luz shot banked off the left post and Thompson placed the rebound into the lower right corner of the goal.

Elon (6-2-0) was unable to convert on numerous good opportunities, most in the second half. The Phoenix out-shot the Demon Deacons by a 9-7 margins, but Wake Forest held a 4-3 edge in shots on goal.

Taylor Saxe made one save for the Phoenix in his 90 minutes in net while Wake Forest’s Brian Edwards stopped three shots throughout the night.

“This was a well-fought game against a very solid Wake Forest team who moved the ball well tonight,” said Elon head coach Darren Powell.  “After struggling in the first 10 minutes, we showed good character and tried to fight back.  Unfortunately, we were unable to convert our chances.”

Elon hits the road to take on High Point at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. Wake Forest will visit Virginia Tech at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night.