Wilmington Men win CACC Championship with 5-3 Shootout win over Holy Family

RUTHERFORD, NJ -- The Wildcats of Wilmington University capped off an exciting 2007 season with a thrilling shootout victory over the Tigers of Holy Family University. The two teams battled to a 1-1 draw through two overtime periods, but the Wildcats prevailed in the shootout by a margin of 5-3, and gave the ‘Cats their first Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament title.

Wilmington, which entered the finals as the number two seed, shot first in the shootout round. Junior midfielder Augustin Aguilera converted his attempt, and Holy Family’s Ed Szambelak followed with the same result. Next, freshman Billy Curran netted his opportunity, and the Tiger’s Jim Latronica was stopped by a beautiful save from Wildcat keeper Dan Mangat. Freshman Anthony Randazzo buried his opportunity, and Steve Kientzy followed up with a goal of his own. In the fourth round, senior Oren Segev converted his try, as did Sean Hordijenko of Holy Family. The final round saw sophomore forward Sargbah Tarpeh find the back of the net to give the ‘Cats the thrilling 5-3 victory.

Holy Family dominated play for much of the first half, holding an 11-4 advantage in shots, but the Wildcats were able to get on the board when freshman midfielder Joe Stant connected on a long ball from sophomore defender Selekie Kamara during the 37th minute.

The Tigers tied the game at one just over three minutes into the second half when Sean Hordijenko found Steve Kientzy on a breakaway. The two squads would not score again, thanks to stellar play by both goalkeepers.

Senior Dan Mangat, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, recorded nine saves in goal for the Wildcats. Benjamin Roller notched six saves for Holy Family. The Tigers out-shot the Wildcats by a 31-17 margin, and held a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks.

Mangat, along with freshman defender Billy Curran, freshman midfielder Joe Stant, sophomore forward Sargbah Tarpeh, and sophomore midfielder Fatoma Turay were named to the All-Tournament team for their performances.

Following the game, Wilmington ended the season with a record of 12-5-2, while Holy Family closed out the year at 14-7-2.