UNCW takes Springhill Suites Classic with 2-0 win over Winthrop

Ryan+Cretens%2C+in+red%2C+reaches+up+to+save+a+shot+sent+by+Winthrop+late+in+Sundays+match.

Ryan Cretens, in red, reaches up to save a shot sent by Winthrop late in Sunday’s match.

Brandon Sans, Staff Writer

A quick turnaround from Friday did not prevent UNC Wilmington from scoring a 2-0 victory over Winthrop on Sunday. The win concluded the UNCW Springhill Suites Classic with the Seahawks claiming their seventh title in the event since its conception in 2004.

“The goal is always to win our home tournament, but we knew it was going to be difficult with the quick turnaround from Friday night,” said UNCW coach Aidan Heaney.

The Seahawks did not get off to the quick start that allowed them to put Dayton away two days prior. UNCW scored within the first 40 seconds and ended the first half with seven shots on goal in that game while it only managed five against Winthrop in the first half Sunday.

Julio Moncada broke the scoreless game with a strike in in the 20th minute. It was Moncada’s second unassisted goal in as many games.

“We were struggling in the first half and coach told us to keep working harder,” said Moncada. “We got the result.”

Junior Stian Sandbekkhaug booted in his second goal of the weekend in the 80th minute to clinch the game for the Seahawks.

Heaney deserves ample credit for the Seahawks’ quick start with the mix-and-matching of experience and youth. UNCW’s goal differential was plus-13 by the end of the match.

“We want guys to step up, take leadership roles, and be demanding of each other,” said Heaney. “You’re trying to get the best combination of players on the field at the same time.”

With the win, UNCW moves to 4-0-0 on the season.

“We’re really compact, we’re really close to each other,” said Moncada. “That’s translating to the field.”

Moncada was named the tournament offensive MVP while Mark Lindstrom took home the defensive MVP.

Up next, UNCW makes the trek down I-95 to take on Florida Gulf Coast next Saturday.

The Seahawks return to UNCW Soccer Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 20, where they will take on UNC Charlotte at 7 p.m.

Women’s soccer improved to 4-0-0 on the road this year with a 4-2 victory over Furman on Sunday. Baley Edwards, Kirsten Bootes, and Madison Melnickall scored goals for the Seahawks.