BOX SCORE

Pembroke, N.C.----Wingate University senior forward Jamie McKenna (Blackpool, England) scored the only goal of the match, giving the visiting Bulldogs a 1-0 victory over UNC Pembroke Thursday night at Varsity Grounds. The contest was the season opener for both teams.

Wingate outshot UNCP 17-10, with a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal. The Bulldogs and the Braves battled to a scoreless tie after 45 minutes. In the second half, Bulldog sophomore forward Gui Lima (Sao Paulo, Brazil) sent a cross from the right side into the box. McKenna converted with a beautiful header to put the visitors on the scoreboard in the 65th minute.

“We had a good first half even though it was scoreless,” Wingate head coach Gary Hamill says. “We dominated possession, but couldn’t finish. I give the Pembroke keeper credit, he made two great saves.”

McKenna had four shots to lead both teams. Bulldog junior midfielder Felippe Imperatriz (Sao Paulo, Brazil) took three shots. Wingate All-American senior midfielder Luke Mulholland (Preston, England) was one of three Bulldogs to attempt two shots. UNC Pembroke goalkeeper Ryan Hanson (Cary, N.C.) saved one of Mulholland’s two shots in the 87th minute.

Wingate senior goalkeeper Joey Calandra (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) recorded his 10th career shutout. The Bishop England graduate had three saves. Hanson stayed busy in his first collegiate match, stopping six Wingate shots. “All things considered…on the road in the first game of the year, we are happy to win,” Hamill says. “For us to keep a clean sheet was great for the back four.”

The Bulldogs open the home portion of their 2010 schedule Saturday, hosting Limestone College for a 7 p.m. contest. UNC Pembroke entertains Lenoir-Rhyne University Sunday night at 7:30 p.m.