Posted: Aug 26, 2016
McCormick scores first career goal in Bryant’s season opening 3-1 loss to UNH, Friday afternoon
New Hampshire
(1-0)
3
Bryant
(0-1)
1
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New Hampshire (1-0) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
|
Bryant (0-1) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – It took both offenses a while to get going, but the University of New Hampshire were able to score twice in the final five minutes of the first half and took a three-goal lead in the second, controlling pace of play and defeating the Bryant University men's soccer team, 3-1, in Friday's season opener at Bulldog Stadium.
Both sides were searching for offense for much of the first half, as only a handful of quality chances were created over the first 35 minutes. Junior transfer Alexander Wrona (Burlington, Conn.) gave the Bulldogs (0-1) their best chance of the first half in the third minute, as he ripped a shot from 15 yards out that was sent away by the legs of Wildcat (1-0) keeper Andrew Pesci.
UNH began to press forward midway through the opening frame, winning the first corner for either side in the 36th minute. It only took four more minutes before the visitors put a tally into the stalemate, as Kyle Brewster received a pass from Alex Valencia just outside of the box from straight away. He turned and sent a low shot with his right boot that made it past a diving Nick Stewart (South Windsor, Conn.) and ricocheted in off the near post.
The Wildcats doubled their lead not long after from nearly the same spot. Reigning America East Midfielder of the Year Chris Wingate received a cross on the left wing. He made a crisp, piercing pass to Valencia at the top of the box who drove a one-touch shot past Stewart through the middle of the goal.
The Bulldogs came out of the locker rooms aggressive and physical, but were a little bit too pressing. Of the seven yellow cards, Bryant picked up four, two of which came in the first two minutes of the second half.
The aggression was not rewarded, as Ben Gleditsch made a great run on the right side, slipped through the defense and took a few dribbles after receiving the pass just outside of the box. He got himself 10 yards from the cage before drilling a shot through Stewart's legs to give the Wildcats a 3-0 edge with 33 minutes to play.
The Bulldogs were unable to get much offense together from that point on. They were awarded a free kick just inches outside of the box with under 10 minutes remaining, and senior Chris McCormick (Westfield, Mass.) confidently curved the attempt toward the left post and into the net for his first career goal.
Aside from the lone score, and Wrona's scoring chance in the opening minutes, three other Bulldogs attempted shots, with just a total of three being on target. Valencia had an assist and a goal to lead UNH, Wingate attempted two shots to go along with his helper, and William Picoux sent two shots on target, but both were saved.
The Bulldogs will look to regroup and get things right before heading to the Capital City for a matchup with intrastate rival Brown on Friday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m.