WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The
William and Mary Tribe men's soccer team opened up CAA conference play on
Saturday night, winning on the road at UNC Wilmington, 1-0. With the victory, the College evens its
record on the season at 3-3 overall, while UNCW falls to 2-4 on the year and to
0-1 in league action.
Sophomore John Ciampa scored the game winning goal for the
Tribe in the second half, while senior goalkeeper Colin Smolinsky made a
career-high six saves in recording his second shutout of the season. Tallying assists on the Ciampa's goal were
junior Ben Anderson and freshman Josh West.
In a back and forth first 45 minutes, the Tribe had its best
look at an early score in the fourth minute.
On the attack, Ciampa found himself in space, but the UNCW keeper saved
his attempt at a score.
For the rest of the first half, both teams had some
opportunities at a goal, but the neither team was able to get a goal before the
half. At the break, W&M had five
shots to UNCW's three, with shots on goal even at 1-1. The Tribe had an advantage in corner kicks,
taking three to just one for Wilmington.
Twelve minutes in to the second half, the Tribe found the
break through goal, giving the College a 1-0 lead. On a corner kick, the Seahawks were able to
clear the initial Tribe onslaught, but the ball wound up on the foot of West on
the left side. West sent a pass back
towards the box, connecting with Anderson.
Anderson was able to get his head to the ball, flicking the pass back to
an open Ciampa. From 12 yards out,
Ciampa finished well, beating the UNCW goalie to the top right corner, scoring
the lone goal of the match. The goal was
the first game winner in Ciampa's young career.
Following the Tribe's score, Wilmington turned up the
pressure offensively. For the remainder
of the match, UNCW out-shot the College, 5-1.
Despite the pressure, Smolinsky did not waver, preserving the shutout
with five second-half saves.
For the match, UNCW out shot the Tribe, 11-9, with
Wilmington getting six shots on goal to three for William and Mary. Corners ended 8-4 in favor of the Seahawks. Ciampa led the Tribe with three shots, while
Nicolas Abrigo took two.
The William and Mary Tribe men's soccer team will return to
action on Tuesday, September 20 when the College will host the UNC Greensboro
Spartans. Kickoff at Martin Family
Stadium at Albert-Daly Field is scheduled for 7 p.m. Live audio and stats will available at
TribeAthletics.com.
