Winthrop scored twice in the final 25 minutes but could not complete the comeback Tuesday night, falling 3-2 to No. 20 UNC Wilmington at UNCW Soccer Stadium.
The loss drops the Eagles to 5-5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big South Conference play, while UNC Wilmington improved to 8-2-1 and 4-0 in the Coastal Athletic Association.
UNC Wilmington took control early, scoring in the eighth minute when Jackson Kirila converted an assist from Osei Gyamfi. Lucas Siikala added a second goal in the 24th minute off a pass from Cameron Keay, sending the Seahawks into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
Keay extended the lead to 3-0 in the 57th minute with an assist from Gyamfi.
Winthrop responded with a strong offensive push. Shion Hayashi put the Eagles on the scoreboard in the 66th minute, scoring off an assist from Jorge Perez.
Perez then cut the deficit to one with a goal in the 78th minute.
The Eagles continued applying pressure late, earning four corner kicks and putting three shots on target during the final 10 minutes. UNC Wilmington goalkeeper Trey Smiley, however, helped preserve the Seahawks’ victory.
Perez finished with a goal and an assist while leading Winthrop with five shots. Pablo Ortega placed both of his shots on goal, while goalkeeper Kevin Christensen made three saves.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
