GREENSBORO, N.C.-UNCG's defense posted its fifth consecutive shutout and David Reittinger scored the only goal of the match as the Spartans downed Wofford, 1-0, in the opening round of the Southern Conference Tournament, Saturday at UNCG Soccer Stadium.
With the win the top-seeded Spartans (9-7-2 overall) advance to next weekend's semifinals against either fourth-seeded Davidson or fifth-seeded Appalachian State.
UNCG dominated play, out-shooting the Terriers (5-13-1) by a 20-10 count. But only Reittinger's shot in the 28th minute found the back of the net. Hakan Ilhan assisted as UNCG took a 1-0 lead.
The Spartans continued to dominate the match on both sides of the field, but UNCG couldn't score. Wofford keeper Andrew Drennan made a series of spectacular saves in the final 20 minutes, helping keep the Terriers in the match.
Wofford nearly made Drennan's hard work pay off, getting a look from point-blank range in the final minute. But UNCG keeper Peyton Ford stopped Carlos Dominguez-Gonzalez's shot to preserve the Spartans' lead.
In all, Ford made a pair of saves in recording his ninth shutout of the season. Despite the loss, Drennan racked up eight saves of his own.
Tournament play resumes next Friday, Nov. 11 in Boone, N.C. Regardless off opponent, UNCG will play at 4 p.m., with the championship match scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday. The final can be seen live on ESPN3.