WILMINGTON, N.C. – Tyler Wheaton notched the game-winning goal with 43 seconds remaining in the second overtime to lift UNC Wilmington past UNC Greensboro, 2-1, on Saturday at the UNCW Soccer Stadium.

The Seahawks improved to 4-1-1 with the non-conference victory while the Spartans dipped to 1-4-1.
Wheaton picked the right time to score his first career goal as he converted a short cross from junior striker Tyler Clare from the right side. Wheaton chipped the ball just inside the right post for the winner.

The Spartans opened the scoring in the 17th minute when E.J. O’Keefe unleashed a knuckling shot from 30 yards out and deflected off the hands of UNCW junior goalkeeper Brock Duckworth. It was the first goal of the season allowed by Duckworth after posting consecutive shutouts against Florida Atlantic and West Virginia.

UNCW, however, was able to draw even at the 29:57 mark of the game when junior Nassim Berhouni redirected a shot by junior Daniel Roberts. Roberts sent a low driving shot into the penalty area from 18 yards out where Berhouni got a foot on it and it skipped past UNCG goalie Peyton Ford.

Both teams battled through the second half, but neither could take the lead. UNCG had a golden opportunity though with 7:25 remaining when Denny Mask found himself one-on-one with Duckworth. Mask deked once to the left and got off his shot but Duckworth was able to get a hand on it and knock it away for a corner kick.

The Seahawks best opportunity came early in the second overtime when junior Jeff Shapiro started down the left flank, cut the ball back into the penalty area and sent a curling shot towards the goal. Ford, though, reacted and got a hand on the shot to knock it off the goal line and keep the game tied.

UNCG built a 20-13 advantage in shots, but just 10-8 in shots on goal. Duckworth tied his career-high with nine saves while Ford finished with six.

The Seahawks close out their non-conference schedule on Sept. 22, when they visit nationally-ranked Duke for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Spartans will next visit Buies Creek, N.C., for a 7 p.m. match on Sept. 23 against Campbell.