Winthrop University Athletics

Mencia, Hasenstab Lead Men's Soccer To 2-1 Victory Over Wofford College Sunday Afternoon

9/1/2013 2:54:00 PM

Winthrop Off To 2-0 Start

STATESBORO, GA— Freshman Jose Mencia picked the perfect opportunity to net his first collegiate goal as he scored the game-winner in the 76^th minute to lead Winthrop over Wofford College, 2-1, Sunday afternoon in men's soccer action.

Mencia wasn't even in the game for a full minute before he found himself in the right spot as he picked up a loose ball and buried it into the back of the net with his left foot.

"It was an ugly win under extremely tough conditions as it was very hot," said Winthrop head coach Rich Posipanko. "We're happy to get out of here with a win and pleased with a 2-0 start to the season."

The Eagles are 2-0 to start the season for the first time since 2011 and just the second time in the last seven seasons. Wofford falls to 0-2 on the year as it dropped a 5-4 decision to Gardner-Webb on Friday in overtime. It is the third straight victory over Wofford (all by just one goal) as Winthrop now leads the all-time series 23-7-2.

Freshman Max Hasenstab gave Winthrop a first half lead with his first collegiate goal in the 18^th minute as he chipped the keeper from straight on goal.
Winthrop continued to apply pressure offensively and create scoring chances but couldn't get a second goal before half.

Midway through the second half, Wofford kept the ball in the Eagles' defensive third and eventually broke through with a goal in the 67^th minute. Carlos Dominguez-Gonzalez headed home a cross from three yards out after Matthew Aurednik served a perfect cross from just outside the box.

Prior to the Mencia goal, Winthrop's Mason Lavallet nearly found the back of the net as he nailed a shot off the crossbar in the 75th minute. Moments after the second goal, Winthrop nearly made it 3-1 as Hasenstab's shot hit off the crossbar and stayed out of the goal.

Winthrop finished with a 17-16 advantage in shots as keeper Guilherme Avelar made four saves to earn the win in net. Wofford keeper Garrett Closs made three saves.

Winthrop was crowned the weekend champion of the Big South/SoCON Challenge as it was the only team to win both games and Adriano Negri, Pietro Bottari, Hasenstab and Avelar were named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Eagles will have a seven day break until their next contest when they travel to Johnson City, TN to take on East Tennessee State on Monday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.