WILMINGTON – Thanks to a spectacular performance between the pipes from sophomore Antonio Trujillo (Cincinnati, OH/Princeton) and a timely score, the Wilmington men's soccer team ended a six-year Kiwanis drought with a 1-0 victory Saturday over Wittenberg in the 2012 Kiwanis Classic at Williams Stadium.
It didn't take long for Wilmington to gain the upper hand on its visitors as sophomore Dan Wicks (Cincinnati, OH/Reading) scored 41 seconds into the game off a throw in from junior Henrik Hornaess (Brumunddal, Norway/Hamar Katerdralskole).
"I worry about (scoring early). You could have a letdown and your opponent could get motivated being down so early," said head coach Bud Lewis. "I thought our kids responded really well."
With the lead, Trujillo – who was named the Kiwanis Classic MVP – took over in recording his first shutout of the season. He recorded eight saves, none bigger than the one in the 81st minute. After the Fightin' Quakers missed the chance to clear the box, Trujillo stuffed a point blank shot and then scrambled to cover the loose ball before Wittenberg could chip it in.
In addition to Trujillo making some key saves, Wilmington solidified its defense on set pieces.
"That was the difference in the game," said Lewis. "I thought Antonio (Trujillo) got more active."
Joining Trujillo on the Kiwanis All-Tournament team were Wicks, sophomore Erik Hammar (Stockholm, Sweden/Ava Gymnasium) and sophomore Martin Holmquist (Karlstad, Sweden/Alvkulle Gymnasiet).
Wilmington (2-2) will host Transylvania 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Charlie Gilhart Field. It would mark the Fightin' Quakers' first game on their traditional home field after being moved to the turf due to the inclement conditions.