Men's Soccer Ties JWU-Charlotte in Competitive Matchup

In Short: Cape Fear played a cohesive, high-energy game, with a few key breakdowns along the way that lead to a 3-3 tie to the Johnson & Wales Charlotte Wildcats.

Highlights:

The Sea Devils came right out with a fast-paced playing style and positive energy that spanned from the field to the home bench. Both the Wildcats and the Sea Devils played a very physical game, though Cape Fear was able to muscle JWU off the ball to force turnovers and stronghold their attacking position.

Returning Sophomore and captain Caleb Woodard and Freshman Dawson Cox were poised in the back field as they applied controlled pressure and supported their midfielders to create numbers up scenarios throughout the match.

Freshman Midfielder Saul Juarez and Freshman Forward Daniel Bustos Marin both left it all out on the field with some incredible recovery defense and calculated attacking runs to create opportunities for the Sea Devils. Freshman Cuauthy Espinoza also stepped up to the plate in a major way to support his teammates in midfield transition.

The first two goals of the match came from returner Marcello Afonso followed by Alexander Flores to finish the half with a 2-0 lead.

Moving into the second half, the Sea Devils struggled to get back into the swing of things as a few turnovers and defensive errors resulted in 3 goals in the first 15 minutes of play. Cape Fear struggled to bounce back at first, but eventually found their footing as returner Kyle Fallon stepped up to force one in and tie the game. The Sea Devils continued to fight and finished the match 3-3.

"I think we played a very intelligent match today," says Head Coach Dave Martin. "But we still need to keep our composure and not let the opposing team get in our heads."

Next Up: The Sea Devils will take the Labor Day Weekend to rest and then follow up with their first conference game of the season at Wake Tech in Raleigh, NC at 1:30 PM.