Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University junior midfielder Zach Machuca (Fair Lawn, N.J.) scored a pair of goals to lead the Bulldogs past Catawba College 3-0 in South Atlantic Conference men’s soccer action Thursday night. The Bulldogs improve to 3-5 overall and 1-1 in the SAC, while Catawba falls to 3-6 overall and 0-2 in the SAC.
 
The Bulldogs had an early chance to get on the board, but a penalty kick from freshman forward Peron Da Silva (Sao Paulo, Brazil) sailed high. Da Silva would make up for the mistake three minutes later, setting up Machuca on his first goal of the night to put Wingate on top 1-0.
The first Machuca goal would be all of the scoring in the first half. Wingate held a 12-5 advantage in shots at intermission, while each team had three shots on goal.
 
The Bulldogs added to their lead 13 minutes into the second half, when a header from freshman midfielder Dillon Payne (Longwood, Fla.) glanced off the post and right to Machuca, who found the back of the net for the second time on the night and third time on the year.
 
Wingate added one more goal with just over three minutes remaining in regulation. Junior forward Gui Lima (Sao Paulo, Brazil) put a through ball to Da Silva, who lined one into the corner of the net for his third goal of the year to make the final 3-0.
 
Wingate out-shot Catawba 25-10 on the night, while Catawba held a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Stephen Harris (Lincolnton, N.C.) notched seven saves to preserve the shutout for the Bulldogs. Sophomore Evan Harvey (Apex, N.C.) had three saves for Catawba.
 
The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, traveling to Limestone College for a 4 p.m. start. Catawba will host Anderson (S.C.) University Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
 
Wingate University assistant sports information director Hugh Patton wrote this article. Patton is a 2006 Wingate graduate with a B.A. degree in Communication Studies.
 
NCAA Division II box score
http://www.wingatebulldogs.com/custompages/msoc/2011/wumsgm08.htm#GAME.BOX