Wheeling, W.Va., October 11, 2011—On Tuesday evening, the red-hot Jesuit men’s soccer team secured their fifth straight victory over Atlantic Region opponent Gannon University by a score of 3-1 at James LaRosa Stadium. With the win, Wheeling Jesuit moved to 7-4-1 on the season while the Golden Knights fell to 5-8-1 overall.
The Cardinals first goal was netted in the 19th minute when Philip Mshelbwala sent a beautiful cross into the box for Dominic Welch, who finished with a 15-yard header over the Gannon goalkeeper.
After taking a quick breathe, Wheeling Jesuit was on the attack again as Victor Picchio slipped by the Golden Knight defense, creating a three-on-one scoring opportunity. Piccho played the ball ahead to Ignacio Fernandez, and after drawing the goalie close, Fernandez flicked the ball to his right for Kevin Robson who fired into an empty net.
The Cardinals controlled the ball for most of the half, attempting 10 shots while the defense limited Gannon to only four shots. With 10:53 remaining in the first half, Gannon’s only real scoring threat was broken up by Andrew Hickey as he cut-down a break-a-way just inside the eighteen.
In the second half, a persistent Cardinal offense continued to assert their dominance and it paid-off in the 56th minute when George Neboussie sent a 70-yard pass over the playing field which found Picchio at the top of the box. Picchio played the airborne pass into free space, beating a pair of Gannon defenders. He quickly turn his hips and firmly placed the ball inside the near post for a 3-0 Cardinal advantage.
With just under five minutes remaining, the Golden Knights spoiled a shutout opportunity when Ryan Mershimer sent a set shot to Ross Matthews who finished with a header for Gannon’s first goal.
WJU goalkeeper Cody Thompson earned the decision with six saves, while GU’s Michael Kickel collected eight saves.
Wheeling Jesuit will be back in action at James LaRosa Stadium on Thursday, October 13th at 7:30 p.m. for a make-up contest against Malone University.
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