Box Score LYNCHBURG, Va.- On a night to honor its seniors, it was a first year player and a sophomore who were the heroes for the Randolph men's soccer team. The WildCats defeated visiting Bridgewater 2-1 on Saturday night at WildCats Stadium to remain in the ODAC playoff race.
The victory gives Randolph an 8-8 overall record and a 3-5 mark in the ODAC. The Eagles drop to 7-9 and 4-4 in the conference.
The WildCats controlled play early in the first half with possession in the Eagles half of the field. It was Bridgewater, however, that would take the lead. At 26:10, Randolph starting goalkeeper Erick Cortez-Martinez (Winston-Salem. N.C./North Forsyth) came up to stop Eric Hogge's shot attempt but the ball got past Martinez and rested on the goal line. Hogge was awarded the goal and the visitors went up 1-0.
The 'Cats did not let up and continued to push into the Eagle zone. Randolph saw its efforts finally pay off with 2:39 to go until halftime. Gabe Krueger (Jacksonville, N.C./White Oak) took the corner kick for the WildCats and Daniel Over (Westminster, Md./Winters Mill) was there to head the ball in for his first collegiate goal that tied the match at 1-1.
Randolph dominated in the second half and kept Bridgewater off-balance. Jonathon Powell (Fort Defiance, Va./Fort Defiance) had a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar and back onto the field in the 69th minute. Soon after, a throw in by Cristian Irigoyen (Norfolk, Va./Norfolk Academy) found its way to the middle of the goal and Travis Brown (Portsmouth, Va./Woodrow Wilson) was able to find Frankie DiOrio (Bristow, Va./Patriot) who struck the ball into the back of the net and in to give Randolph a 2-1 lead.
The Eagles never threatened for the rest of the game. The WildCat defense did its part as they held Bridgewater to just one shot in the frame.
Randolph led in overall shots 17-3. The 'Cats also had a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Cortez-Martinez finished with one save. Quentin Boric had seven saves for the Eagles.
Prior to tonight's game, the team honored its four seniors. Also recognized besides Brown, Irigoyen, and Powell was Nate Juth (Leesburg, Va./Loudoun County).
The WildCats conclude their regular season on Tuesday night at Guilford. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.
