Senior forward Daniel Escobar (Cali, Colombia) scored the game’s only goal in the 67th minute to lead No. 22 UNCW to its first Colonial Athletic Association win of the season, a 1-0 victory over Northeastern at UNCW Soccer Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Seahawks, who remained unbeaten in five home games this year, improved to 6-1-1 overall and 1-1-0 in the CAA. Playing in its conference opener, Northeastern dropped to 0-5-2 on the season and suffered its third consecutive loss.
After a scoreless first half, Escobar tallied his fourth goal of the season with 23:20 remaining on a header after passes from senior midfielder Jose Garcia (Woodward Academy/College Park, Ga.) and freshman midfielder Matt Gianfortone (Leesville Road H.S./Raleigh, N.C.).
Led by junior goalkeeper Sean Melvin (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), the Seahawks held Northeastern to just four shots en route to claiming their fourth shutout of the season.
UNCW remains home to welcome regional rival College of Charleston to UNCW Soccer Stadium on Wednesday night. Opening kick-off between the Seahawks and the Cougars is scheduled for 7 p.m.
