Men's Soccer Blanks UNCA 1-0 in Preseason Play

Sunday, August 19

Davidson, N.C.

1:00

Davidson College Athletics

UNC Asheville (Exh.)

Men's Soccer Blanks UNCA 1-0 in Preseason Play

8/23/2007 2:13:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Joey Beeler -- Assistant SID

DAVIDSON, N.C. -- After a few days of training, the Davidson Wildcats finally squared off against someone other than themselves as they defeated in-state foe UNC Asheville 1-0 on freshman Mauricio Simms first-half strike in Sunday's men's soccer exhibition at Alumni Stadium.

Simms, a forward from Bowie, Md., scored the game's only goal in the 35th minute off a long goal kick that was flicked on by Wildcat Whitey Bolan to Simms, who then chipped the ball over the on-rushing UNCA keeper.

"Winning the match is a boost for the team's confidence, and especially for Mauricio to get the game-winner," commented Davidson head coach Matt Spear, who is beginning his seventh season at the helm of his alma mater. "For our defenders and goalkeepers, a shutout is always a crucial accomplishment. Equally significant is that all 21 healthy players got an important opportunity for match experience."

After a two-day break, Davidson returns to action in a 7:30 p.m. match at nationally-ranked North Carolina Tuesday, August 21. A year ago in preseason play, the Wildcats played the Tar Heels, who entered No. 3 in the College Soccer News Preseason Top 30 Poll, to a 1-1 draw at 1992 Team Field.

The last time these clubs met in Chapel Hill, Davidson knocked off UNC 1-0 in 2002.

"Clearly our team is tremendously excited to play North Carolina. They are a proven program at the ACC and national level, including a 2001 National Championship. It will be important to see how our players recover quickly from their fatigue and preseason level of conditioning. We will definitely give plenty of players a chance because confidence and on-field experience is valuable. If we win, awesome -- but regardless this experience will be a measuring stick of what we need to work on as a team and as individuals."