Box Score Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University junior midfielder
Shaun Gadsby (Newcastle, England) registered his first career hat trick Saturday night, leading the Bulldogs to a 3-1 victory over visiting Tusculum College in South Atlantic Conference men's soccer action. Wingate improves to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the SAC, while the Pioneers fall to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the conference.
The Bulldogs wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, scoring a goal in the first five minutes for the second time this week. Gadsby's first goal was a one-timer right in front of the net on a perfect pass from sophomore forward
Charlie Machell (Newcastle, England).
Gadsby gave the 'Dogs a two-goal lead with 14 minutes remaining in the first half. The play started when Machell found senior
Gui Peron (Sao Paulo, Brazil) behind the defense. Peron was battling one defender down the right side of the field, and when the goalkeeper came out, Peron served one to the left side of the box, where Gadsby was all alone for his second goal of the night.
Tusculum cut the lead in half 10 minutes into the second half, when
Roberto Pimentel netted his second goal of the season on a cross from
Mason Fox, making it 2-1.
Gadsby put Wingate on top 3-1 just seven minutes later, finishing off his hat trick. The play was started by a free kick from right around midfield from freshman defender
James Scott (Newcastle, England). Peron headed it down in the box and Gadsby ripped one into the left corner of the net for his third goal of the night and the season.
Wingate finished with a 10-9 edge in shots, while each team accumulated six shots on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper
Stephen Banick (Pickerington, Ohio) piled up five saves for the Bulldogs.
Jorge Alvarez had three saves for the Pioneers.
The Bulldogs are back in action Monday, as they continue their five-game home stand. Wingate will face Carson-Newman Monday at 4 p.m. in a game that was postponed due to rain two weeks ago. Wingate will host Limestone Wednesday night, then take on Mars Hill at home Saturday night.
