Box Score

The Wilkes University men's soccer team's defense came up big, shutting out No. 3 seeded Manhattanville 2-0 in the semifinal game of the Freedom Conference Championships. The Colonels will now get a re-match with No. 1 seed Misericordia on Saturday for the right to represent the league in the NCAA Tournament. 

 

The Colonel defense allowed just four total shots and did not allow a shot on goal as Wilkes improved to 10-7-2 overall and marks the second time in as many chances it has beaten the Valiants this season. “Our center backs had a great game today,” head coach Phil Wingert said. “They really broke up any offensive rhythm Manhattanville was able to establish.” 

 

The Valiants were whistled with a foul inside the box that allowed Greg Miller (Blandon, Pa./Fleetwood) a penalty kick which he converted with just 1:46 into the game. Miller's score proved to be the game winner as it rolled past goal keeper Jerry Tellier on the lower left corner. 

 

At the 18-minute mark the Valiant defense failed to clear the ball and Doug Moore (Doylestown, Pa./New-Hope Solebury) was there to rifle the ball to the back of the net to cushion the Colonel lead. “This was the first time we have played in a week, but everybody was healthy and available to play, so it was good to see us play the way we did,” Wingert said.

               

Wilkes made the most of its chances with three shots on goal and six total for the game. Goal keeper T.J. Baloga played the entire 90 minutes, recording his seventh shutout of the season. 

 

Misericordia and Wilkes played each other a week ago with the Cougars coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3 in overtime.