The Wildcats of Wilmington University closed out their regular season with a 3-1 victory over the visiting Cougars of Caldwell College in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) men’s soccer action on Saturday afternoon at the Kirkwood Complex.

Wilmington (7-2-2 CACC/8-6-4) jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the game’s first 26 minutes.  Sophomore Eddie Kowalo knocked home a rebound during the 15th minute that was initially saved by the Caldwell keeper.  Junior Ray Kuemmer made it 2-0 in favor of the hosts when he knocked home a cross off the foot of classmate Kresimir Nurnberger at the 25:36 mark.  That advantage would hold as the ‘Cats took the two goal lead into the break.

Caldwell (3-5-1 CACC/6-7-2) opened the second half with a quick goal just under two minutes in, as Steve Petrosino connected off a free kick from Mosiah Whyte.  The Cougars mounted a little more pressure throughout the period, and held a man advantage for the final 18 minutes as a Wildcat was sent off with a red-card.  The Wilmington defense played solid, and sophomore Tom Quaranta gave the ‘Cats a little breathing room in the 89th minute, as he finished a through pass from Kuemmer.  The Wildcats held on, sending them into the upcoming CACC playoffs with a little momentum.

Wilmington’s Russell Dobos notched three saves as he picked up his first win of the season.  Brian Agostini recorded seven stops for Caldwell.  The Wildcats out-shot the Cougars by a 188 margin, and had a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.

The ‘Cats return to the pitch next Monday afternoon, as they will host an opening round playoff game on Halloween at Kirkwood.  The opponent and the game time are still to be determined.