LATE GOAL LIFTS JOHNSON & WALES OVER MEN'S SOCCER, 1-0
PROVIDENCE, RI – It's been more than a month since the Johnson & Wales University men's soccer team has given up more than two goals. The Wildcats pitched their sixth shutout of the year, and third in the last four games, as they downed Emmanuel College, 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon.
Records:
Emmanuel: 7-8-2, 3-4-1 GNAC
Johnson & Wales: 9-3-4, 5-2-1 GNAC
Statistical Leaders:
Chris Schmid (JWU): 1 Goal
Jon Robbins (JWU): 2 Saves
Jonathan Ferrarini (EC): 12 Saves
Of Note:
The two halves couldn't have been more different as Wildcats and Saints combined for 30 shots in the second half after only nine in the opening 45 minutes. Johnson & Wales had the edge in shots, 25-14, including 13-3 on goal.
Both teams had their chances to score in the first half, including Emmanuel's Zach Foley who was robbed of a goal when JWU keeper Jon Robbins (Berkley Heights, NJ) made a diving save. The lone goal of the game came in the 74th minute when Andrew Vecere (Wayne, NJ) centered a pass that Chris Schmid (Clifton Park, NY) headed it into the net for his fifth goal of the season.
The Wildcats could have had a few more goals had it not been for the effort of EC keeper Jonathan Ferrarini (Hanover, Mass.). He made a season-high 12 saves in defeat. Robbins turned away all three shots he faced to get the victory. The senior netminder only had to make one save in the final 63 minutes thanks to a stingy JWU defense.
With one conference game remaining, JWU has jumped up to number two in the GNAC standings. A win by the Wildcats on Friday at Anna Maria guarantees them of finishing no lower than third. A JWU win coupled with a loss by Norwich in either of its final two games would make the Wildcats the number two seed.
Next Game:
The Wildcats play their final conference game of the regular season on Friday when they travel to Anna Maria for a 4 p.m. contest. Emmanuel wraps its regular season on Saturday afternoon heading to Newton, Mass. for a showdown against Mount Ida College at 7:00 p.m.
*Release courtesy of JWU Sports Information